High repetition-rate dual-channel X-ray spectrometer for high-intensity laser-plasma experiments.

We describe the development and demonstration of a high-repetition-rate-capable dual-channel (DC) x-ray spectrometer designed for high-intensity laser-plasma experiments (≥1×1021 W/cm2). The spectrometer, which operates at high repetition rates, is limited only by the refresh rate of targets and the camera's frame rate. It features two channels, each equipped with a flat highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) crystal and a unique detector plane, allowing it to resolve two distinct x-ray bands: approximately 7-10 and 10-13 keV. Each detector plate carrier holds two slots for active (scintillators) or passive (imaging plates) x-ray detectors. We present the design and testing of the HR-DC-HOPG using both the COMET laser (10 J, 0.5 ps shot/4 min) at LLNL's Jupiter Laser Facility and the SCARLET laser (10 J, 30 fs shot/min) at Ohio State University. The results demonstrate the spectrometer's performance across various laser energies, target materials, pulse shapes, and detector types.

Experimental capabilities of 0.4 PW, 1 shot/min Scarlet laser facility for high energy density science.

We report on the recently completed 400 TW upgrade to the Scarlet laser at The Ohio State University. Scarlet is a Ti:sapphire-based ultrashort pulse system that delivers >10 J in 30 fs pulses to a 2 µm full width at half-maximum focal spot, resulting in intensities exceeding 5×1021 W/cm2. The laser fires at a repetition rate of once per minute and is equipped with a suite of on-demand and on-shot diagnostics detailed here, allowing for rapid collection of experimental statistics. As part of the upgrade, the entire laser system has been redesigned to facilitate consistent, characterized high intensity data collection at high repetition rates. The design and functionality of the laser and target chambers are described along with initial data from commissioning experimental shots.

Microengineering Laser Plasma Interactions at Relativistic Intensities.

We report on the first successful proof-of-principle experiment to manipulate laser-matter interactions on microscales using highly ordered Si microwire arrays. The interaction of a high-contrast short-pulse laser with a flat target via periodic Si microwires yields a substantial enhancement in both the total and cutoff energies of the produced electron beam. The self-generated electric and magnetic fields behave as an electromagnetic lens that confines and guides electrons between the microwires as they acquire relativistic energies via direct laser acceleration.

A dual-channel, curved-crystal spectrograph for petawatt laser, x-ray backlighter source studies.

A dual-channel, curved-crystal spectrograph was designed to measure time-integrated x-ray spectra in the approximately 1.5 to 2 keV range (6.2-8.2 A wavelength) from small-mass, thin-foil targets irradiated by the VULCAN petawatt laser focused up to 4x10(20) W/cm(2). The spectrograph consists of two cylindrically curved potassium-acid-phthalate crystals bent in the meridional plane to increase the spectral range by a factor of approximately 10 compared to a flat crystal. The device acquires single-shot x-ray spectra with good signal-to-background ratios in the hard x-ray background environment of petawatt laser-plasma interactions. The peak spectral energies of the aluminum He(alpha) and Ly(alpha) resonance lines were approximately 1.8 and approximately 1.0 mJ/eV sr (approximately 0.4 and 0.25 J/A sr), respectively, for 220 J, 10 ps laser irradiation.

On the concanavalin A positive layer on the skeletal muscle fibre.

The localization and distribution of mannosyl and glucosyl residues on the extrajunctional sarcolemma of skeletal muscle fibres of frog, rat and new-born rat was studied by means of concanavalin A labelled with FITC and ferritin-concanavalin A conjugate. A strong fluorescent layer surrounding the muscle fibres was found out. Ultrastructurally concanavalin A binding sites were established on the outer surface of muscle cell membrane, on the basal lamina, on the space between them, as well as on the reticular lamina, which ensheeted the muscle fibre. The width of the concanavalin A positive layer was 0.3 to 0.7 micron. On the basis of intensity of the fluorescence, some differences in the content of mannosyl and glycosyl residues during ontogeny as well between both species was admitted.

Intra-splenic transplantation of allogenic isolated pancreatic islets in nonimmunosuppressed rats. A morphological immunocytochemical study.

Adult rat islets isolated by collagenase technique were injected into the spleen in 10 Alloxantreated allogenic Wistar rats. No immunosuppression was used. Recipients were examined on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th after transplantation. Localization of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated in all implants from the 1st to the 5th d. There were considerable differences in topographical arrangement of glucagon- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells in transplanted islets from the second day.

Immunohistochemical study of an insulinoma.

A typical pancreatic insulinoma is characterized by immunohistochemistry which reflects its histogenesis, morphology and hormonal activity.