A large-format gated x-ray framing camera

Abstract

The design, construction and implementation of a large format gated x-ray camera (LFC) for the LANL inertial confinement fusion/ radiation physics program is described. The active area of the detector is 105 mm x 105 mm using three 35 mm x 105 mm microchannel plates (MCP), that are proximity focused to a monolithic P-43 phosphor screen. Gating of the six independent, 13 mm, tall electrical microstriplines, deposited on the MCP, is accomplished by six individually biased and delayed high-voltage electrical pulses. The electrical gating pulse is continuously adjustable from 200 ps to 1300 ps, yielding optical shutters of 80 ps to 1000 ps. All electrical functions are computer controlled and monitored. Images are created on the striplines by conventional x-ray pinhole image techniques and recorded by film or a 4096 x 4096 CCD camera that is fiberoptically coupled to the back of the phosphor screen. Construction is complete and the instrument is now operated on a routine basis at local and remote laser facilities. Detailed characterization of the camera is in progress.