Picosecond laser-driven coded-source radiography with high resolution and contrast

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• X-ray Science
• Laser-Induced Fusion

Background:

• Compton radiography in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments relies on X-ray sources generated by lasers irradiating wire targets.
• Thin wire targets (∼10 µm) are necessary for high spatial resolution but result in low laser-target interception, limiting photon yield.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel coded-source radiography technique using laser-driven annular X-ray sources.
• To enhance spatial resolution and photon yield for Compton radiography in ICF.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Monte Carlo and Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations to model laser irradiation of tube targets.
• Investigated the role of electron recirculation in forming annular X-ray sources.

Main Results:

• The annular X-ray source technique demonstrated improved spatial resolution and contrast compared to Gaussian sources from wire targets.
• Significantly increased backlighter target diameter is feasible without compromising spatial resolution, enhancing laser-target interception.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique reconciles spatial resolution and photon yield for Compton radiography.
• Predicts a potential multi-fold increase in source photon yield for future ICF experiments.