Sub-Picosecond X-Ray Streak Camera Development for Laser Fusion Diagnostics

摘要

In laser-fusion interactions the effectiveness of coupling laser energy into target compression can be followed by obtaining spatial and temporal information on x-radiation emitted by the target. Microballoon targets now used require temporal resolution of better than a few picoseconds to track accurately target collapse and disassembly. Instabilities of two picoseconds or less are predicted for the process. Most streak cameras are based upon a sector-focused streak tube, which in the design limit is capable of only about 10 ps x-ray resolution. Therefore, a new tube, based upon the proximity-focused or wafer intensifier was developed as a laser-fusion diagnostic capable in the design limit of delivering truly sub-picosecond x-ray resolution. A new power supply was also developed to drive the streak tube. Together, a camera has resulted with true picosecond capability, small size, high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, high spatial resolution, and very low jitter. The system has proved 98 percent reliable in over 300 laser shots providing data on the collapse of microballoons when irradiated by a dual beam Nd:YAG laser. Theoretical predictions of 2.5 to 3 ps resolution are consistent with experimental data. A visible variant of the design now under construction is expected to give sub-picosecond resolution with advantages similar to the x-ray system. (ERA citation 02:002129)