Five-frame, x-ray camera for charged particle, inertial confinement fusion studies

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Nuclear Engineering
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research requires advanced diagnostics for target analysis.
• Charged particle beams are utilized for target irradiation in ICF experiments.
• High-speed, high-resolution imaging is crucial for understanding fusion dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a prototype framing x-ray camera for ICF target photographic studies.
• To enable time-resolved imaging of targets irradiated by charged particle beams.
• To adapt the camera for single-frame x-radiographic studies of imploding targets.

Main Methods:

• Development of a prototype framing x-ray camera utilizing five gated microchannel plates.
• Employing a toroidal magnetic field to transport electron images out of the radiation zone.
• Recording electron images permanently on film for analysis.
• Utilizing x-ray pinhole optics for image formation.

Main Results:

• Achieved an effective exposure time of less than or equal to 5 nanoseconds (FWHM).
• Obtained a spatial resolution of approximately 0.5 mm at the object, limited by pinhole optics.
• Successfully conducted time-resolved photographic studies of luminous targets irradiated by pulsed electron and ion beams.
• Adapted the camera for single-frame x-radiographic studies of nonluminous imploding targets.

Conclusions:

• The developed framing x-ray camera is a viable diagnostic tool for ICF target studies.
• The camera provides essential time-resolved and spatial information crucial for fusion research.
• The system's adaptability allows for diverse radiographic applications in target implosion studies.