Development of a Laser-Produced Plasma X-Ray Source for Phase-Contrast Radiography of D-T Ice Layers

Refraction-enhanced X-ray phase-contrast imaging is crucial for characterization of deuterium-tritium (D-T) ice layer roughness in optically opaque inertial confinement fusion capsules. Observation of the time development of D-T ice roughness over approximately second timescales requires a bright X-ray source that can produce an image faster than the evolution of the ice surface roughness. A laser-produced plasma X-ray source is one of the candidates that can meet this requirement. Experiments were performed at the Janus laser facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to assess the characteristics of a laser-produced plasma X-ray source as a potential backlight for in situ target characterization.