Drive characterization of indirect drive targets on the Nova laser (invited)

Abstract

The indirect drive method of inertial confinement fusion uses a high-Z radiation case to convert energy from high-powered laser beams to x rays which implode fusion capsules. Experiments have been performed on the Nova laser to characterize the x-ray production in high-Z cavities for studying the efficiency for x-ray production using two methods for characterization. One method measures the shock velocity produced in low-Z materials by the radiation. The shock velocity is measured by observing the optical signal from the rear of a stepped or continuously varying thickness of Al placed over a hole in the cavity wall. The other method measures the reradiated x-ray flux from the cavity wall viewing through a hole in the cavity. Both methods have been shown to provide a consistent characterization of the x-ray drive in the cavity target.