Efficiency enhancement for Kα x-ray yields from laser-driven relativistic electrons in solids.

High-irradiance short-pulse lasers incident on solid density thin foils provide high-energy, picosecond-duration, and monochromatic K(α) x-ray sources, but with limited conversion efficiency ϵ of laser energy into K(α) x-ray energy. A novel two-stage target concept is proposed that utilizes ultrahigh-contrast laser interactions with primary ultrathin foils in order to efficiently generate and transport in large quantities only the most effective K(α)-producing high-energy electrons into secondary x-ray converter foils. Benchmarked simulations with no free numerical parameters indicate an ϵ enhancement greater than tenfold over conventional single targets may be possible.

Measurements of magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability growth during the implosion of initially solid Al tubes driven by the 20-MA, 100-ns Z facility.

The first controlled experiments measuring the growth of the magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability in fast (∼100 ns) Z-pinch plasmas are reported. Sinusoidal perturbations on the surface of an initially solid Al tube (liner) with wavelengths of 25-400 µm were used to seed the instability. Radiographs with 15 µm resolution captured the evolution of the outer liner surface. Comparisons with numerical radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations show remarkably good agreement down to 50 µm wavelengths.

Characteristics and scaling of tungsten-wire-array z -pinch implosion dynamics at 20 MA.

We present observations for 20-MA wire-array z pinches of an extended wire ablation period of 57%+/-3% of the stagnation time of the array and non-thin-shell implosion trajectories. These experiments were performed with 20-mm-diam wire arrays used for the double- z -pinch inertial confinement fusion experiments [M. E. Cuneo, Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 215004 (2002)] on the Z accelerator [R. B. Spielman, Phys. Plasmas 5, 2105 (1998)]. This array has the smallest wire-wire gaps typically used at 20 MA (209 microm ). The extended ablation period for this array indicates that two-dimensional (r-z) thin-shell implosion models that implicitly assume wire ablation and wire-to-wire merger into a shell on a rapid time scale compared to wire acceleration are fundamentally incorrect or incomplete for high-wire-number, massive (>2 mg/cm) , single, tungsten wire arrays. In contrast to earlier work where the wire array accelerated from its initial position at approximately 80% of the stagnation time, our results show that very late acceleration is not a universal aspect of wire array implosions. We also varied the ablation period between 46%+/-2% and 71%+/-3% of the stagnation time, for the first time, by scaling the array diameter between 40 mm (at a wire-wire gap of 524 mum ) and 12 mm (at a wire-wire gap of 209 microm ), at a constant stagnation time of 100+/-6 ns . The deviation of the wire-array trajectory from that of a thin shell scales inversely with the ablation rate per unit mass: f(m) proportional[dm(ablate)/dt]/m(array). The convergence ratio of the effective position of the current at peak x-ray power is approximately 3.6+/-0.6:1 , much less than the > or = 10:1 typically inferred from x-ray pinhole camera measurements of the brightest emitting regions on axis, at peak x-ray power. The trailing mass at the array edge early in the implosion appears to produce wings on the pinch mass profile at stagnation that reduces the rate of compression of the pinch. The observation of precursor pinch formation, trailing mass, and trailing current indicates that all the mass and current do not assemble simultaneously on axis. Precursor and trailing implosions appear to impact the efficiency of the conversion of current (driver energy) to x rays. An instability with the character of an m = 0 sausage grows rapidly on axis at stagnation, during the rise time of pinch power. Just after peak power, a mild m = 1 kink instability of the pinch occurs which is correlated with the higher compression ratio of the pinch after peak power and the decrease of the power pulse. Understanding these three-dimensional, discrete-wire implosion characteristics is critical in order to efficiently scale wire arrays to higher currents and powers for fusion applications.

X-ray emission from z pinches at 10 7 A: current scaling, gap closure, and shot-to-shot fluctuations.

We have measured the x-ray power and energy radiated by a tungsten-wire-array z pinch as a function of the peak pinch current and the width of the anode-cathode gap at the base of the pinch. The measurements were performed at 13- and 19-MA currents and 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-mm gaps. The wire material, number of wires, wire-array diameter, wire-array length, wire-array-electrode design, normalized-pinch-current time history, implosion time, and diagnostic package were held constant for the experiments. To keep the implosion time constant, the mass of the array was increased as I2 (i.e., the diameter of each wire was increased as I), where I is the peak pinch current. At 19 MA, the mass of the 300-wire 20-mm-diam 10-mm-length array was 5.9 mg. For the configuration studied, we find that to eliminate the effects of gap closure on the radiated energy, the width of the gap must be increased approximately as I. For shots unaffected by gap closure, we find that the peak radiated x-ray power P(r) proportional to I1.24+/-0.18, the total radiated x-ray energy E(r) proportional to I1.73+/-0.18, the x-ray-power rise time tau(r) proportional to I0.39+/-0.34, and the x-ray-power pulse width tau(w) proportional to demonstrate that the internal energy and radiative opacity of the pinch are not responsible for the observed subquadratic power scaling. Heuristic wire-ablation arguments suggest that quadratic power scaling will be achieved if the implosion time tau(i) is scaled as I(-1/3). The measured 1sigma shot-to-shot fluctuations in P(r), E(r), tau(r), tau(w), and tau(i) are approximately 12%, 9%, 26%, 9%, and 2%, respectively, assuming that the fluctuations are independent of I. These variations are for one-half of the pinch. If the half observed radiates in a manner that is statistically independent of the other half, the variations are a factor of 2(1/2) less for the entire pinch. We calculate the effect that shot-to-shot fluctuations of a single pinch would have on the shot-success probability of the double-pinch inertial-confinement-fusion driver proposed by Hammer et al. [Phys. Plasmas 6, 2129 (1999)]. We find that on a given shot, the probability that two independent pinches would radiate the same peak power to within a factor of 1+/-alpha (where 0< or =alpha<<1) is equal to erf(alpha/2sigma), where sigma is the 1sigma fractional variation of the peak power radiated by a single pinch. Assuming alpha must be < or =7% to achieve adequate odd-Legendre-mode radiation symmetry for thermonuclear-fusion experiments, sigma must be <3% for the shot-success probability to be > or =90%. The observed (12/2(1/2))%=8.5% fluctuation in P(r) would provide adequate symmetry on 44% of the shots. We propose that three-dimensional radiative-magnetohydrodynamic simulations be performed to quantify the sensitivity of the x-ray emission to various initial conditions, and to determine whether an imploding z pinch is a spatiotemporal chaotic system.

2-20 ns interframe time 2-frame 6.151 keV x-ray imaging on the recently upgraded Z Accelerator: a progress report.

When used for the production of an x-ray imaging backlighter source on Sandia National Laboratories' recently upgraded 26 MA Z Accelerator, the terawatt-class, multikilojoule, 526.57 nm Z-Beamlet laser (ZBL) [P. K. Rambo et al., Appl. Opt. 44, 2421 (2005)], in conjunction with the 6.151 keV (1s(2)-1s2p triplet line of He-like Mn) curved-crystal imager [D. B. Sinars et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 3672 (2004); G. R. Bennett et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 10E322 (2006)], is capable of providing a high quality x radiograph per Z shot for inertial confinement fusion (ICF), complex hydrodynamics, and other high-energy-density physics experiments. For example, this diagnostic has recently afforded microgram-scale mass perturbation measurements on an imploding ignition-scale 1 mg ICF capsule [G. R. Bennett et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 205003 (2007)], where the perturbation was initiated by a surrogate deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel fill tube. Using an angle-time multiplexing technique, ZBL now has the capability to provide two spatially and temporally separated foci in the Z chamber, allowing "two-frame" imaging to be performed, with an interframe time range of 2-20 ns. This multiplexing technique allows the full area of the four-pass amplifiers to be used for the two pulses, rather than split the amplifiers effectively into two rectangular sections, with one leg delayed with respect to the other, which would otherwise double the power imposed onto the various optics thereby halving the damage threshold, for the same irradiance on target. The 6.151 keV two frame technique has recently been used to image imploding wire arrays, using a 7.3 ns interframe time. The diagnostic will soon be converted to operate with p-rather than s-polarized laser light for enhanced laser absorption in the Mn foil, plus other changes (e.g., operation at the possibly brighter 6.181 keV Mn 1s(2)-1s2p singlet line), to increase x-ray yields. Also, a highly sensitive inline multiframe ultrafast (1 ns gate time) digital x-ray camera is being developed [G. R. Bennett et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 10E322 (2006)] to extend the system to "four-frame" and markedly improve the signal-to-noise ratio. [At present, time-integrating Fuji BAS-TR2025 image plate (scanned with a Fuji BAS-5000 device) forms the time-integrated image-plane detector.].

Design of a streaked radiography instrument for ICF ablator tuning measurements.

A streaked radiography diagnostic has been proposed as a technique to determine the ablator mass remaining in an inertial confinement fusion ignition capsule at peak velocity. This instrument, the "HXRI-5," has been designed to fit within a National Ignition Facility Diagnostic Instrument Manipulator. The HXRI-5 will be built at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and initial testing will be done at the SNL Z-Beamlet Facility. In this paper, we will describe the National Ignition Campaign requirements for this diagnostic, the instrument design, and the planned test experiments.

Fill-tube-induced mass perturbations on x-ray-driven, ignition-scale, inertial-confinement-fusion capsule shells and the implications for ignition experiments.

On the first inertial-confinement-fusion ignition facility, the target capsule will be DT filled through a long, narrow tube inserted into the shell. microg-scale shell perturbations Delta m' arising from multiple, 10-50 microm-diameter, hollow SiO2 tubes on x-ray-driven, ignition-scale, 1-mg capsules have been measured on a subignition device. Simulations compare well with observation, whence it is corroborated that Delta m' arises from early x-ray shadowing by the tube rather than tube mass coupling to the shell, and inferred that 10-20 microm tubes will negligibly affect fusion yield on a full-ignition facility.

Advanced laser-backlit Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Imaging Systems for Inertial Confinement Fusion Research. I. Design.

By use of a focusing configuration analogous to a Gregorian or a Cassegrain telescope, the on-axis aberration of a grazing-incidence spheric-based Kirkpatrick-Baez compound microscope may be precisely corrected. For finite fields, the off-axis performance degrades too rapidly for high-spatial-resolution imaging of even the smallest objects of interest. However, by use of ray-trace optimization it is possible to perturb the system such that the perfect, but impractical, on-axis performance is modestly degraded and uniformly distributed over a chosen object field. By use of this and other performance-enhancing features, two example ultrahigh-spatial-resolution laser-backlit x-ray microscope designs suitable for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research have been developed. A companion paper [Appl. Opt. 40, 4588 (2001)] describing the tolerance analysis indicates that <0.5-mum spatial resolution at x-ray energies as high as 25 KeV is possible. As a prototype step, simpler noncompound devices are under consideration for Sandia National Laboratories' Z accelerator/Z-Beamlet ICF facility.

Advanced laser-backlit Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Imaging Systems for Inertial Confinement Fusion Research. II. Tolerance Analysis.

Two example ultrahigh-spatial-resolution laser-backlit grazing-incidence x-ray microscope designs for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research have been described [Appl. Opt. 40, 4570 (2001)]. Here details of fabrication, assembly, and optical surface errors that are characteristic of present state-of-the-art superpolished multilayer-coated spherical mirrors are given. They indicate that good image qualities can be expected; in particular, <0.5-mum spatial resolution at very high x-ray energies (up to 25 keV) appears to be feasible: Existing ICF imaging diagnostics approach ~2 mum spatial at low (<2 keV) energy. The improvement in resolution compared with that of other grazing-incidence devices is attributed to a fortuitous residual on-axis aberration dependence on short wavelengths; recent advances in mirror fabrication, including a new thin-film deposition technique to correct figure errors precisely in one dimension; and novel design. For even higher resolutions, a means of creating precise aspherical mirrors of spheric-quality microroughness may be possible by use of the same deposition technique.

Alport's syndrome: review and case report.

Alport's syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by neurosensory hearing impairment and progressive kidney dysfunction. The syndrome affects both males and females but males manifest more serious kidney problems and have a higher mortality rate. Ocular manifestations occur in approximately 15% of these patients with anterior lenticonus being the most common. It is believed that this is the first reported case of a patient with Alport's syndrome and anterior lenticonus who underwent lensectomy and lens implant to improve visual function.

Retrolental fibroplasia: a medical dilemma.

Retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) remains as a leading cause of visual impairment in infants. The pathophysiology of RLF is discussed as well as the significant risk factors. The clinical course of the disease is considered including the various stages of RLF and the differential diagnosis. Finally, the management and treatment options of RLF are discussed.

Incidence and prevalence of selected visual conditions.

Information on the incidence and prevalence of visual disorders is important, but is often difficult to obtain. In this article, such information has been collected from a number of sources and is summarized and presented in a concise manner. The conditions covered include Amblyopia, Strabismus, Convergence Insufficiency, Eye Coordination difficulties, Perceptual Motor Problems and causes of blindness.

Reflection of CO2 laser radiation from typical surfaces encountered in hospital environments.

Measurements of the reflectivity of CO2 laser radiation (10.6 micron) from typical clinical surfaces are reported. The results obtained confirm that stray reflections from these surfaces could be a potential hazard to both patient and hospital staff. Some conducting surfaces, for example, reflect up to 95% of the radiation incident upon them and even dielectrics reflect over 50% in some cases. The results reported are for linearly polarised light only. Strong evidence is shown that the deposition of certain thin coatings dramatically reduces the percentage of 10.6 micron radiation reflected.

Demonstration of radiation symmetry control for inertial confinement fusion in double Z-pinch hohlraums.

Simulations of a double Z-pinch hohlraum, relevant to the high-yield inertial-confinement-fusion concept, predict that through geometry design the time-integrated P2 Legendre mode drive asymmetry can be systematically controlled from positive to negative coefficient values. Studying capsule elongation, recent experiments on Z confirm such control by varying the secondary hohlraum length. Since the experimental trend and optimum length are correctly modeled, confidence is gained in the simulation tools; the same tools predict capsule drive uniformity sufficient for high-yield fusion ignition.

High-Energy X-ray Microscopy Techniques for Laser-Fusion Plasma Research at the National Ignition Facility.

Multi-kilo-electron-volt x-ray microscopy will be an important laser-produced plasma diagnostic at future megajoule facilities such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF). However, laser energies and plasma characteristics imply that x-ray microscopy will be more challenging at NIF than at existing facilities. We use analytical estimates and numerical ray tracing to investigate several instrumentation options in detail, and we conclude that near-normal-incidence single spherical or toroidal crystals may offer the best general solution for high-energy x-ray microscopy at NIF and similar large facilities. Apertured Kirkpatrick-Baez microscopes using multilayer mirrors may also be good options, particularly for applications requiring one-dimensional imaging over narrow fields of view.

Symmetric inertial-confinement-fusion-capsule implosions in a double-z-pinch-driven hohlraum.

An inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) concept using two 60-MA Z pinches to drive a cylindrical hohlraum to 220 eV has been recently proposed. The first capsule implosions relevant to this concept have been performed at the same physical scale with a lower 20-MA current, yielding a 70+/-5 eV capsule drive. The capsule shell shape implies a polar radiation symmetry, the first high-accuracy measurement of this type in a pulsed-power-driven ICF configuration, within a factor of 1.6-4 of that required for scaling to ignition. The convergence ratio of 14-21 is to date the highest in any pulsed-power ICF system.

Double Z-pinch hohlraum drive with excellent temperature balance for symmetric inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions.

A double Z pinch driving a cylindrical secondary hohlraum from each end has been developed which can indirectly drive intertial confinement fusion capsule implosions with time-averaged radiation fields uniform to 2%-4%. 2D time-dependent view factor and 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations using the measured primary hohlraum temperatures show that capsule convergence ratios of at least 10 with average distortions from sphericity of /r200 MJ.

X-ray imaging measurements of capsule implosions driven by a Z-pinch dynamic hohlraum.

The radiation and shock generated by impact of an annular tungsten Z-pinch plasma on a 10-mm diam 5-mg/cc CH(2) foam are diagnosed with x-ray imaging and power measurements. The radiative shock was virtually unaffected by Z-pinch plasma instabilities. The 5-ns-duration approximately 135-eV radiation field imploded a 2.1-mm-diam CH capsule. The measured radiation temperature, shock radius, and capsule radius agreed well with computer simulations, indicating understanding of the main features of a Z-pinch dynamic-hohlraum-driven capsule implosion.