Ultra-compact x-ray spectrometer for high-repetition-rate laser-plasma experiments

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Spectroscopy
• X-ray Optics

Background:

• High-intensity, short-pulse lasers generate complex X-ray spectra.
• Characterizing these X-ray sources is crucial for understanding laser-plasma interactions.
• Existing diagnostics may lack the compactness or repetition rate for certain experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ultra-compact, multi-channel X-ray spectrometer (UCXS).
• To enable high-repetition-rate X-ray spectroscopy (>1 Hz) in laser-driven plasma experiments.
• To resolve X-ray spectra from 1-30 keV for detailed source analysis.

Main Methods:

• Designed a multi-channel spectrometer with 25 channels.
• Utilized X-ray filters of varying materials and thicknesses for spectral resolution.
• Coupled each X-ray filter to a single scintillator for detection.
• Adapted the diagnostic for high-repetition-rate operation (>1 Hz).

Main Results:

• Achieved spectral resolution of approximately 1 keV over the 1-30 keV energy range.
• Demonstrated capability to detect and resolve various laser-driven X-ray sources.
• Successfully commissioned the UCXS at the ABL laser facility.

Conclusions:

• The UCXS is a viable diagnostic for high-repetition-rate laser plasma experiments.
• The spectrometer effectively characterizes diverse X-ray emissions up to 30 keV.
• Preliminary results confirm the diagnostic's performance and utility.