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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Direct Imaging of Laser-driven Ultrafast Molecular Rotation
Published on: February 4, 2017
Monoenergetic-proton-radiography measurements of implosion dynamics in direct-drive inertial-confinement fusion
1Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Abstract:
Time-gated, monoenergetic radiography with 15-MeV protons provides unique measurements of implosion dynamics in direct-drive inertial-confinement fusion. Images obtained during acceleration, coasting, deceleration, and stagnation display a comprehensive picture of spherical implosions. Critical information inferred from such images, hitherto unavailable, characterizes the spatial structure and temporal evolution of self-generated fields and plasma areal density. Results include the first observation of a radial electric field inside the imploding capsule. It is initially directed inward (at approximately 10(9) V/m), eventually reverses direction ( approximately 10(8) V/m), and is the probable consequence of the evolution of the electron pressure gradient.
