Speaker
Description
X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) is a cutting-edge diagnostic technique that enables the recording of the phase and absorption as an X-ray beam with some transverse coherence passes through a target. The phase information supports the detection of steep density gradients, as a result XPCI is particularly well-suited for imaging laser-driven shock propagation inside low and high opacity targets. In this work, we advanced the platform originally developed by L. Antonelli et al [1] at the GSI PHELIX laser facility. A short-pulse laser was focused onto different targets to generate a point-like X-ray characteristic and bremsstrahlung backlighter with a source–to–object distance of 24 cm, and an image plate detector placed to record images with a magnification of 9. We discuss the use of different target materials and geometries to optimize the backlighter performance. This system is applied to the study of shock waves propagating through planar plastic and low-density foam targets. We demonstrate high-quality imaging and impact of ongoing efforts to extend this platform toward direct imaging of early-time, laser-imprinted perturbations. This is a critical topic for understanding hydrodynamic instability growth in laser direct-drive inertial confinement fusion and developing predictive implosion designs.
[1] Antonelli, L. et al. EPL 125, 35002 (2019)
Acknowledgements
The results presented in this manuscript are based on the experiment P-24-00229, which was performed at the target station PTA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt (Germany) in the frame of FAIR Phase-0. This research was supported by the EPSRC and First Light Fusion under the AMPLIFI Prosperity Partnership - EP/X025373/1. The research leading to these results has received funding from LASERLAB-EUROPE (grant agreement no. 871124, EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. We greatly acknowledge the support of the Vulcan dark period community support programme 24-3.