Broadband Reflectivity Diagnostic Development for Dynamic Compression Experiments on OMEGA EP*

In dynamic compression experiments, materials experience dramatic changes in their physical and chemical properties, manifesting in the material’s optical properties. For experiments involving high density and temperature, reflectivity measurements are integral to detecting changes in chemical bonding and electronic structure. To this end, our work will develop a normal-incidence, visible optical reflectivity diagnostic for the OMEGA EP Laser System at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. This diagnostic will measure the time- and wavelength-resolved reflectivity of laser-compressed materials. We will present the design of the system, its anticipated performance, and planned experiments on compressed materials.