title: Multiwavelength optical pyrometer for shock compression experiments.
abstract: A system for measurement of the spectral radiance of materials shocked to high pressures ( approximately 100 GPa) by impact using a light gas gun is described. Thermal radiation from the sample is sampled at six wavelength bands in the visible spectrum, and each signal is separately detected by solid-state photodiodes, and recorded with a time resolution of approximately 10 ns. Interpretation of the records in terms of temperature of transparent sample materials is discussed. Results of a series of exploratory experiments with metals are also given. Shock temperatures in the range 4000-8000 K have been reliably measured. Spectral radiance and temperatures have been determined with uncertainties of 2%.
authors.affiliation: Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Lyzenga
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ahrens