Pinhole imaging of laser-produced thermonuclear alpha particles

Abstract

Results of pinhole images of thermonuclear alpha particles generated by exploding pusher targets in the Argus laser facility are reviewed. Recorded images indicate that the reactions occur within a 25 to 30 micron region with twelve micron resolution for ten micron pinholes and thirty micron resolution for twenty-five micron pinholes. These results are in good agreement with LASNEX computer predictions and are confirmed by Zone Plate imaging of the burn conducted by Natale M. Ceglio at LLL. Planned three-dimensional imaging of the burning D-T gas in the Shiva laser facility using seven micron pinholes is discussed. Higher yields (approximately 5 x 10/sup 10/ reactions) and three orthogonal images of the burn will provide a data base for analysis using an Algebraic Reconstruction Technique to provide a higher resolution (9 micron), three-dimensional view of the burn