This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 9966, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, and Conference Committee listing.

We present a characterization technique for nanosecond gated CMOS cameras designed and built by Sandia National Laboratory under their Ultra-Fast X-ray Imager program. The cameras have been used to record images during HED physics experiments at Sandia’s Z Facility and at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility. The behavior of the camera’s fast shutters was not expected to be ideal since they propagate over a large pixel array of 25 mm x 12 mm, which could result in shutter timing skew, variations in the FWHM, and variations in the shutter’s peak response. Consequently, a detailed characterization of the camera at the pixel level was critical for interpreting the images. Assuming the pixel’s photo-response was linear, the shutter profiles for each pixel were simplified to a pair of sigmoid functions using standard non-linear fitting methods to make the subsequent analysis less computationally intensive. A pixel-level characterization of a ”Furi” camera showed frame-to-frame gain variations that could be normalized with a gain mask and significant timing skew at the sensor’s center column that could not be corrected. The shutter profiles for Furi were then convolved with data generated from computational models to forward fit images collected with the camera.

Multiple Monochromatic Imaging (MMI) instruments are used to investigate the 2-D properties of imploding capsules using x-ray multilayered mirror to create narrow-energy band images. In order to improve on the quality of the extracted information, there is a need for improved understanding of the effect of chromaticity on the photometric response of the instrument. The presentation will briefly describe the current status of that understanding, and will show the effect the effect of neglecting the chromatic instrument response on the assumed flat response.

We recently designed, built and commissioned a new pinhole / filter assembly for the equatorial hard x-ray imager (eHXI) at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). In this paper we describe the design and metrology of the new diagnostic as well as the spectral and spatial response of the hard x-ray detector. The new eHXI assembly has improved the photon collection efficiency along with spectral and spatial resolution by making use of 1D imaging channels and various hard x-ray filters. In addition we added a Ross pair filter set for Au K-alpha emission (67-69 keV). The new eHXI design will improve our understanding of the sourcing of hot electrons, generated in laser-plasma-instabilities, along the vertical hohlraum axis. This information is an important input for simulating and eventually limiting the DT fuel preheat in ICF implosions.

Since the first experimental campaign conducted in 2014 with mid field Gated X-ray Imager (GXI) and two quadruplets (20 kJ at 351 nm) focused on target, the Laser MégaJoule (LMJ) operational capability is still growing up. New plasma diagnostics have been implemented: a large field 2D GXI, two broadband x-ray spectrometers (called DMX and miniDMX), a specific soft x-ray spectrometer and a Laser Entrance Hole (LEH) imaging diagnostic. A series of experiments have been performed leading to more than 60 shots on target. We will present the plasma diagnostics development status conducted at CEA for experimental purpose. Several diagnostics are now under manufacturing or development which include a Streaked Soft X-ray Imager (SSXI), an Equation Of State (EOS) diagnostic suite (“EOS pack”), a Full Aperture BackScattering (FABS) diagnostic, a Near Backscattered Imager (NBI), a high resolution 2D GXI, a high resolution x-ray spectrometer, a specific set of two polar hard x-ray imagers for LEH characterization and a set of Neutron Time of Flight (NTOF) detectors. We describe here the diagnostics design and performances in terms of spatial, temporal and spectral resolutions. Their designs have taken into account the harsh environment (neutron yields, gamma rays, electromagnetic perturbations, debris and shrapnel) and the safety requirements.

Two diagnostics have been developed to improve the uniformity on the OMEGA Laser System, which is used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research. The first diagnostic measures the phase of an optical modulator (used for the spectral dispersion technique employed on OMEGA to enhance spatial smoothing), which adds bandwidth to the optical pulse. Setting this phase precisely is required to reduce pointing errors. The second diagnostic ensures that the arrival times of all the beams are synchronized. The arrival of each of the 60 OMEGA beams is measured by placing a 1-mm diffusing sphere at target chamber center. By comparing the arrival time of each beam with respect to a reference pulse, the measured timing spread of the OMEGA Laser System is now 3.8 ps.

The ability to maximise the shot rate of large scale laser facilities is dependent on the turnaround time of the laser, diagnostics and targetry. In a move to improve the last of these, a combined target mount and carousel are being implemented on the Vulcan Petawatt facility. The Vulcan Petawatt interaction chamber currently operates with either a single target or with a target wheel; which has limited positions and varying degrees of subsequent target survivability. Whenever the target holder needs to be changed the chamber vacuum has to be cycled, delaying shots by up to an hour. The new carousel design is capable of holding 30 target assemblies at a safe distance from the interaction point, with each target capable of being dialed in to position on demand. This allows for a whole day’s worth of shots with the flexibility to choose any target or reference object without having to break vacuum. Here we present the design, characterisation and implementation of this new target inserter.

This paper covers the performance of a high speed analogue data transmission system. This system uses multiple Mach- Zehnder optical modulators to transmit and record fusion burn history data for the Gas Cherenkov Detector (GCD) on the National Ignition Facility. The GCD is designed to measure the burn duration of high energy gamma rays generated by Deuterium-Tritium (DT) interactions in the NIF. The burn duration of DT fusion can be as short as 10ps and the optical photons generated in the gas Cherenkov cell are measured using a vacuum photodiode with a FWHM of ~55ps. A recording system with a 3dB bandwidth of ≥10GHz and a signal to noise ratio of ≥5 for photodiode output voltage of 50mV is presented. The data transmission system uses two or three Mach-Zehnder modulators and an RF amplifier to transmit data optically. This signal is received and recorded by optical to electrical converts and a high speed digital oscilloscope placed outside of the NIF Target Bay. Electrical performance metrics covered include signal to noise ratio (SNR), signal to peak to peak noise ratio, single shot dynamic range, shot to shot dynamic range, system bandwidth, scattering parameters, are shown. Design considerations such as self-test capabilities, the NIF radiation environment, upgrade compatibility, Mach-Zehnder (MZ) biasing, maintainability, and operating considerations for the use of MZs are covered. This data recording system will be used for the future upgrade of the GCD to be used with a Pulse Dilation PMT, currently under development.

A new neutron imager, known as Neutron Imaging System North Pole, will use an array of thick apertures to image the neutrons produced in the burn region of imploding fusion capsules at the National Ignition Facility. While the resolution requirements and parameters that drive the design of this array are similar to traditional x-ray pinhole arrays, neutrons require thick apertures with narrow fields of view, and a precisely designed array of apertures is critical to allow alignment and capture the required images with 10-μm resolution. This work describes the mechanical parameters and limitations driving the design of the aperture array, in addition metrology and alignment requirements are discussed.

Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) has become widely and routinely used in many high-velocity experimental applications due to its improved ease of use, cost, experimental flexibility, data return, and robustness compared to earlier velocimetric methods. However, these earlier methods have advantages in applications with requirements beyond PDV’s current capabilities. Various classes of experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) that are characterized by extremely high velocity or acceleration, or diagnostic requirements for high precision in timing and/or velocity, have historically seen a VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any surface) diagnostic employed due to such advantages. VISAR, however, requires specific, and sometimes challenging, experimental features, including planar geometry and normal incidence, high-reflectivity surface treatment, and a relatively large and inflexible diagnostic footprint. Therefore, the potential for implementing a PDV diagnostic at NIF has been evaluated by researchers from National Security Technologies, LLC and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. We present the results of this study, weigh the relative merits of the two methodologies with consideration of experimental phenomena and requirements, and discuss possible implementations and future directions.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a 192 laser beam facility designed to support the Inertial Confinement Fusion program based on laser-target interactions. The Optical Thomson Scattering (OTS) diagnostic has the potential to transform the community’s understanding of NIF hohlraum physics by providing first principle, local, time-resolved measurements of under-dense plasma conditions. A deep-UV probe beam is needed to overcome the large background of self-Thomson scattering produced by the 351nm (3ω) NIF drive beams. A two-phase approach to OTS on NIF will mitigate the risk presented by background levels. In Phase I, the diagnostic will assess background levels around a potential deep-UV probe wavelength considered for 5ω Thomson scattering measurements to be conducted in Phase II. The Phase I design of the diagnostic includes an unobscured collection telescope, dual crossed Czerny-Turner spectrometers, and the shared use of one streak camera located inside of an airbox. The Phase II design will include a 5ω probe laser. We will describe the engineering design and concept of operations of the Phase I NIF OTS diagnostic, with a focus on optomechanical disciplines.

The Hippogriff camera developed at Sandia National Laboratories as part of the Ultra-Fast X-ray Imager (UXI) program is a high-speed, multi-frame, time-gated imager for use on a wide variety of High Energy Density (HED) physics experiments on both Sandia’s Z-Machine and the National Ignition Facility. The camera is a 1024 x 448 pixel array with 25 μm spatial resolution, containing 2 frames per pixel natively and has achieved 2 ns minimum integration time. It is sensitive to both optical photons as well as soft X-rays up to ~6 keV. The Hippogriff camera is the second generation UXI camera that contains circuitry to trade spatial resolution for additional frames of temporal coverage. The user can reduce the row-wise spatial resolution from the native 25 μm to increase the number of frames in a data set to 4 frames at 50 μm or 8 frames at 100 μm spatial resolution. This feature, along with both optical and X-ray sensitivity, facilitates additional experimental flexibility. Minimum signal is 1500 erms and full well is 1.5 million e-.

This paper covers the preliminary design of a radiation tolerant nanosecond-gated multi-frame CMOS camera system for use in the NIF. Electrical component performance data from 14 MeV neutron and cobalt 60 radiation testing will be discussed. The recent development of nanosecond-gated multi-frame hybrid-CMOS (hCMOS) focal plane arrays by the Ultrafast X-ray Imaging (UXI) group at Sandia National Lab has generated a need for custom camera electronics to operate in the pulsed radiation environment of the NIF target chamber. Design requirements and performance data for the prototype camera system will be discussed. The design and testing approach for the radiation tolerant camera system will be covered along with the evaluation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) electronic component such as FPGAs, voltage regulators, ADCs, DACs, optical transceivers, and other electronic components. Performance changes from radiation exposure on select components will be discussed. Integration considerations for x-ray imaging diagnostics on the NIF will also be covered.