A ten-inch manipulator (TIM) based fast-electron spectrometer with multiple viewing angles (OU-ESM).

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Nuclear Fusion
• Particle Accelerators

Background:

• Accurate measurement of mega-electron-volt (MeV) electrons is vital for understanding ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions.
• This knowledge is critical for advancing fast-ignition laser-fusion research and analyzing suprathermal electron production in other laser-ignition schemes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel electron spectrometer capable of measuring angularly resolved energy distributions of MeV electrons.
• To enhance the study of laser-plasma instabilities and their role in fusion energy research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Osaka University electron spectrometer (OU-ESM), a multichannel system utilizing a 10-inch manipulator.
• Integration of five small electron spectrometers with angular increments of 5°.
• Implementation of a low-magnetic-field option for improved spectral resolution up to ~5 MeV.

Main Results:

• The OU-ESM successfully measured angularly resolved electron spectra across a wide energy range (∼40 keV to ∼40 MeV).
• High-energy resolution was achieved, crucial for detailed analysis of electron distributions.
• Successful application of the spectrometer in experiments on the OMEGA and OMEGA EP laser systems.

Conclusions:

• The OU-ESM provides a robust tool for characterizing MeV electrons in laser-plasma experiments.
• The instrument's capabilities significantly contribute to the understanding of laser-driven particle acceleration.
• This technology supports progress in laser-fusion research and related fields requiring precise electron energy measurements.