An x-ray optic calibration facility for high energy density diagnostics.

Area of Science:

• X-ray optics calibration
• High energy density physics
• Fusion diagnostics

Background:

• X-ray imaging optics are critical for diagnostics in high energy density (HED) and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research.
• Accurate calibration is needed to determine x-ray flux and wavelengths in HED and ICF experiments.
• Existing calibration methods lacked the precision required for advanced fusion diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a dedicated facility for calibrating x-ray imaging optics.
• To enable precise measurements of spectral reflectivity, resolution, and spatial characteristics of optics.
• To support diagnostics at facilities like the National Ignition Facility and Sandia Z-Machine.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a new calibration facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
• Measurement of x-ray reflectivity from 5 to 60 keV with ±5% accuracy.
• Determination of optic point spread functions to assess spatial resolution (currently 50 μm, future 13 μm).
• Measurement of optic distance to the source and detector within ±100 μm.

Main Results:

• The facility successfully calibrated selected x-ray optics.
• Initial data demonstrated the capability to measure spectral reflectivity and point spread functions.
• The calibration process provides essential data for absolute determination of x-ray flux and wavelengths.

Conclusions:

• The new calibration facility meets the stringent requirements for HED and ICF diagnostics.
• Accurate calibration enhances the reliability and precision of fusion experiment data.
• The facility is essential for advancing research in high energy density and fusion science.