Monoenergetic-proton-radiography measurements of implosion dynamics in direct-drive inertial-confinement fusion.
Time-gated, monoenergetic radiography with 15-MeV protons provides unique measurements of implosion dynamics in direct-drive inertial-confinement fusion. Images obtained during acceleration, coasting, deceleration, and stagnation display a comprehensive picture of spherical implosions. Critical information inferred from such images, hitherto unavailable, characterizes the spatial structure and temporal evolution of self-generated fields and plasma areal density. Results include the first observation of a radial electric field inside the imploding capsule. It is initially directed inward (at approximately 10(9) V/m), eventually reverses direction ( approximately 10(8) V/m), and is the probable consequence of the evolution of the electron pressure gradient.
Li
C K
CK
Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Séguin
F H
FH
Rygg
J R
JR
Frenje
J A
JA
Manuel
M
M
Petrasso
R D
RD
Betti
R
R
Delettrez
J
J
Knauer
J P
JP
Marshall
F
F
Meyerhofer
D D
DD
Shvarts
D
D
Smalyuk
V A
VA
Stoeckl
C
C
Landen
O L
OL
Town
R P J
RP
Back
C A
CA
Kilkenny
J D
JD
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011522:Protons; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods
D011522:Protons