Spectroscopic Measurement of High-Density CO2-Laser-Driven Implosion

Abstract

C${\mathrm{O}}_2$-laser-driven implosions have been shown to produce compressed plasma densities of the same magnitude as ordinary solids (>2 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^3$). A variety of diagnostic techniques has been used, including the simultaneous observation of x-ray spectroscopic signatures and nuclear yield. The laser energy on target ranged from 3 to 6 kJ and the half width of the pulse was 600-800 ps. The results of these experiments are compared with numerical hydrodynamic simulations.