Performance of Laser Megajoule's x-ray streak camera

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• X-ray Imaging
• Optical Diagnostics

Background:

• The Laser Megajoule (LMJ) requires sophisticated plasma diagnostic tools.
• Picosecond x-ray streak cameras are crucial for time-resolved measurements in high-energy-density physics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a prototype picosecond x-ray streak camera for the LMJ.
• To evaluate the camera's performance against stringent plasma diagnostic requirements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a picosecond x-ray streak camera prototype.
• Performance testing including spatial resolution, temporal resolution, detection threshold, and dynamic range measurements.
• Operation within the 0.05-15 keV spectral range.

Main Results:

• Achieved 50-μm spatial resolution over a 15-mm field.
• Demonstrated 17-ps temporal resolution within a 2-ns timebase.
• Measured a detection threshold below 625 nJ/cm² and a dynamic range exceeding 100.

Conclusions:

• The developed picosecond x-ray streak camera prototype largely meets the demanding requirements for LMJ plasma diagnostics.
• The camera's performance indicates its suitability for advanced plasma research applications.