X-ray self-emission imaging with spherically bent Bragg crystals on the Z-machine

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• X-ray Optics
• Fusion Energy Research

Background:

• Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) generates hot, dense plasma emitting X-rays.
• Accurate imaging of plasma dynamics is crucial for understanding MagLIF performance.
• Existing X-ray diagnostics may lack the required resolution or field-of-view.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an X-ray imaging scheme using spherically bent crystals for MagLIF targets.
• To achieve high spatial resolution for detailed analysis of plasma structures.
• To assess the diagnostic's capability in resolving radial features within the plasma column.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a spherically bent crystal optic to capture X-ray emission from MagLIF plasma.
• Employed a limiting aperture on the Rowland circle to define a narrow spectral range (<15 eV).
• Measured average spatial resolution in the highest resolution configuration.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average spatial resolution of 18 µm.
• Successfully imaged the entire one-cm length of the plasma column with high throughput and large field-of-view.
• Clearly resolved radial structures, including bifurcations, within the plasma stagnation column.

Conclusions:

• The spherically bent crystal X-ray imager is effective for diagnosing MagLIF plasmas.
• The achieved resolution allows for accurate determination of radial plasma size and structure.
• The success has led to the development of a two-crystal configuration for spectral line emission analysis.