A novel backscatter focus diagnostic for the TRIDENT 200 TW laser.
Here we present the first direct focal spot images and analysis of an ultrahigh intensity short-pulse laser focus (>5x10(19) W/cm(2)) on target. Such a focal spot characterization is typically done previous to the shot with a low-power alignment beam using equivalent plane imaging techniques. The resulting intensity of the shot is then inferred from these results. We report on the development of a backscatter focus diagnostic, which enables imaging of the on-target full-power focal spot.
Gautier
D C
DC
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
Flippo
K A
KA
Letzring
S A
SA
Shimada
J Workman T
JW
Johnson
R P
RP
Hurry
T R
TR
Gaillard
S A
SA
Hegelich
B M
BM