Background measurement methods for opacity experiments conducted at the Z facility

Journal Article · 19 August 2021 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0057225 · OSTI ID:1894606

Dunham, G. S.  ^[1]; Nagayama, T. ^[1]; Nagayama, T. ^[1]; Loisel, G. P. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Laboratory experiments typically test opacity models by measuring spectrally resolved transmission of a sample using bright backlight radiation. A potential problem is that any unaccounted background signal contaminating the spectrum will artificially reduce the inferred opacity. Methods developed to measure background signals in opacity experiments at the Sandia Z facility are discussed. Preliminary measurements indicate that backgrounds are 9%–11% of the backlight signal at wavelengths less than 10 Å. Background is thus a relatively modest correction for all Z opacity data published to date. Future work will determine how important background is at longer wavelengths.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 1894606
• Report Number(s): SAND2022-13485J; 710460
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 92; ISSN 0034-6748
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English