MeV radiography source development using NIF-ARC and CPC targets*

Kilojoule energy, picosecond duration lasers with intensity \textasciitilde 1x10$^{\mathrm{19}}$ W/cm$^{\mathrm{-2}}$ are promising drivers for MeV x-ray radiography [1]. Recent experiments using the NIF Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) laser and compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) targets [2] have reached effective intensities \textgreater 1x10$^{\mathrm{19}}$ W/cm$^{\mathrm{-2}}$, as inferred by measured hot electron temperatures, which is a \textgreater 10x enhancement compared to flat targets. The x-ray source from 0.5mm thick Au foils has been systematically studied over a series of ARC shots, and its size, flux and spectrum characterized. The results and applications to MeV radiography will be discussed, and a planned demonstration of MeV radiography with ARC and CPC targets will be presented. [1] Courtois et al., PoP 2013 [2] MacPhee et al., submitted Optics Express 2019