X-ray phase-contrast imaging of strong shocks on OMEGA EP

• Published in: Review of scientific instruments 2024-11, Vol.95 (11)
• Main Authors: Antonelli, L., Theobald, W., Barbato, F., Atzeni, S., Batani, D., Betti, R., Bouffetier, V., Casner, A., Ceurvorst, L., Cao, D., Ruby, J. J., Glize, K., Goudal, T., Kar, A., Khan, M., Dearling, A., Koenig, M., Nilson, P. M., Scott, R. H. H., Turianska, O., Wei, M., Woolsey, N. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diagnostic systems; Hydrodynamics simulations; Laser beam heating; Radiography; Rarefaction; Shock fronts; Shock waves; Spherical plasmas; Spherical waves; X ray imagery; X-ray imaging; X-ray phase contrast imaging
• ISSN: 0034-6748; 1089-7623; 1089-7623
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0168059

The ongoing improvement in laser technology and target fabrication is opening new possibilities for diagnostic development. An example is x-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI), which serves as an advanced x-ray imaging diagnostic in laser-driven experiments. In this work, we present the results of the XPCI platform that was developed at the OMEGA EP Laser-Facility to study multi-Mbar single and double shocks produced using a kilojoule laser driver. Two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamic simulations agree well with the shock progression and the spherical curvature of the shock fronts. It is demonstrated that XPCI is an excellent method to determine with high accuracy the front position of a trailing shock wave propagating through an expanding CH plasma that was heated by a precursor Mbar shock wave. The interaction between the rarefaction wave and the shock wave results in a clear signature in the radiograph that is well reproduced by radiation-hydrodynamic simulations.