Testing of optical diagnostics for ion-beam-driven WDM experiments at NDCX-1

We report on the testing of optical diagnostics developed for warm-dense-matter (WDM) experiments on the Neutralized Drift Compression Experiments (NDCX-1) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The diagnostics consist of a fast optical pyrometer, a streak camera spectrometer, and a VISAR.While the NDCX is in the last stage of commissioning for the target experiments, the diagnostics were tested elsewhere in an experiment where an intense laser pulse was used to generate the WDM state in metallic and carbon samples

Complete fabrication of target experimental chamber and implement initial target diagnostics to be used for the first target experiments in NDCX-1

The Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory (HIFS-VNL) has completed the fabrication of a new experimental target chamber facility for future Warm Dense Matter (WDM) experiments, and implemented initial target diagnostics to be used for the first target experiments in NDCX-1. The target chamber has been installed on the NDCX-I beamline. This achievement provides to the HIFS-VNL unique and state-of-the-art experimental capabilities in preparation for the planned target heating experiments using intense heavy ion beams