title: A novel backscatter focus diagnostic for the TRIDENT 200 TW laser.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Gautier
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Flippo
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Letzring
authors.forename: J Workman T
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Hurry
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gaillard
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Hegelich