A real-time holographic interferometry technique for measuring cryogenic fuel layers in large inertial confinement fusion targets

Abstract

We have recently installed a real-time holographic interferometry system on one of our experimental vacuum chambers. This system, which utilizes an argon laser at 488.0 nm and a Newport Research HC-300 holographic camera, will be used to develop and document liquid layer targets for inertial confinement fusion experiments. An interference image is produced when the image of a liquid layer target is superimposed on the stored holograph of the same target with the fuel held in the gas phase. This real-time interference image is due to the change in the fuel state and is a direct measure of the liquid layer uniformity. Routine use of this imaging system will allow us to develop the techniques needed to produce acceptable liquid layers in targets 1–2 mm in diameter with walls 5–50 μm thick. We will discuss the techniques and configuration used to adopt this system for the vibration noise inherent in an experimental chamber.