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Implementation of a Talbot-Lau X-ray deflectometer diagnostic platform for the OMEGA EP laser

Valdivia, M.P.; Stutman, D.; Stoeckl, C.; Mileham, C.; Zou, J.; Muller, S.; Kaiser, K.; Sorce, C.; Keiter, P.A.; Fein, Jeffrey R.; Trantham, M.; Drake, R.P.; Regan, S.P.

A Talbot-Lau X-ray Deflectometer (TXD) was implemented in the OMEGA EP laser facility to characterize the evolution of an irradiated foil ablation front by mapping electron densities >1022 cm-3 by means of Moiré deflectometry. The experiment used a short-pulse laser (30-100 J, 10 ps) and a foil copper target as an X-ray backlighter source. In the first experimental tests performed to benchmark the diagnostic platform, grating survival was demonstrated and X-ray backlighter laser parameters that deliver Moiré images were described. The necessary modifications to accurately probe the ablation front through TXD using the EP-TXD diagnostic platform are discussed.