Evolution of the design and fabrication of astrophysics targets for Turbulent Dynamo (TDYNO) experiments on OMEGA
Abstract:
lthough the overall function of a campaign’s primary target design may remain unchanged, the components and structure often evolve from one shot day to the next to better meet experimental goals. The target fabrication engineer’s involvement in this evolution can be important for advising modifications in order to improve and simplify assembly at the same time.
Highly complex targets are constructed by General Atomics (GA) for astrophysics experiments conducted by the University of Chicago at the OMEGA laser facility. Several novel target components are fabricated, precision-assembled, and extensively measured in support of this campaign, and have evolved over the last three years to improve both the science and assembly. Examples include unique laser machined polyimide grids to enhance plasma mixing at target center, precision micromachined cylindrical shields that also act as component spacers, drawn glass target supports to suspend physics packages at critical distances, and tilted pinholes for collimated proton radiography.
Target component fabrication and evolution details for this turbulent dynamics (TDYNO) campaign are presented, along with precision-assembly techniques, metrology methods, and considerations for future TDYNO experiments on OMEGA.