Implementation Of A Talbot-Lau X-Ray Deflectometer Diagnostic Platform For The Omega Ep Laser

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 >10(22) cm(-3) by means of Moire 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 Moire images were described. The necessary modifications to accurately probe the ablation front through TXD using the EP-TXD diagnostic platform are discussed. Published under license by AIP Publishing.