Large-grazing-angle, multi-image Kirkpatrick–Baez microscope as the front end to a high-resolution streak camera for OMEGA

Abstract

A high-resolution x-ray microscope with a large grazing angle has been developed, characterized, and fielded at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. It increases the sensitivity and spatial resolution in planar direct-drive hydrodynamic stability experiments, relevant to inertial confinement fusion research. It has been designed to work as the optical front end of the PJX—a high-current, high-dynamic-range x-ray streak camera. Optical design optimization, results from numerical ray tracing, mirror-coating choice, and characterization have been described previously [O. V. Gotchev, et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 2178 (2003)]. This work highlights the optics’ unique mechanical design and flexibility and considers certain applications that benefit from it. Characterization of the microscope’s resolution in terms of its modulation transfer function over the field of view is shown. Recent results from hydrodynamic stability experiments, diagnosed with the optic and the PJX, are provided to confirm the microscope’s advantages as a high-resolution, high-throughput x-ray optical front end for streaked imaging.