Drive characterization of indirect drive targets on the Nova laser (invited)

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Abstract
The indirect drive method of inertial confinement fusion uses a high‐Z radiation case to convert energy from high‐powered laser beams to x rays which implode fusion capsules. Experiments have been performed on the Nova laser to characterize the x‐ray production in high‐Z cavities for studying the efficiency for x‐ray production using two methods for characterization. One method measures the shock velocity produced in low‐Z materials by the radiation. The shock velocity is measured by observing the optical signal from the rear of a stepped or continuously varying thickness of Al placed over a hole in the cavity wall. The other method measures the reradiated x‐ray flux from the cavity wall viewing through a hole in the cavity. Both methods have been shown to provide a consistent characterization of the x‐ray drive in the cavity target.