Fast, large-signal, free-standing foil bolometer for measuring ultrasoft x-ray burst fluence

A fast ( approximately 300 ns), large-signal ( greater, similar1 V), free-standing foil bolometer was developed for measuring ultrasoft x-ray burst fluences. The results of bolometer measurements of the radiation output of an imploding foil liner plasma indicate yields of several tens of kJ, assuming isotropic emission. This is in substantial agreement with filtered metal photocathode (x-ray diode) measurements. The bolometer design, response function, and comparison with x-ray photodiode data are discussed. This type of bolometer is particularly applicable to radiation measurements of high-energy, destructive pulsed plasmas such as high-energy imploding liner plasmas.