CLF supplies targets to first academic access experiment on the Orion laser

02 Dec 2013

No

-  

 

Page Image

Page Content

The first academic access experiment on the Orion laser system (link opens in a new window) at AWE has taken place this week, using targets that were produced by the CLF Target Fabrication Group (link opens in a new window). The experimental group, led by Prof Gianluca Gregori of the University of Oxford, used AWE’s high power Orion laser facility to carry out laboratory astrophysics studies. High power laser pulses were used to super heat and compress an interaction target to a high-energy density state, mimicking that of a magnetic cataclysmic variable star, for the purpose of monitoring accretion shock formation and propagation in this extreme environment.

"These are some of the most complex items to be fabricated by the group in recent years and the production has utilised the wide range of capabilities available in the CLF."

Chris Spindloe

CLF Target Fabrication Group

The CLF Target Fabrication Group supplied a full suite of interaction targets and diagnostic (x-ray backlighter) targets for this experiment. Using technologies such as low density material production, thin film coating, precision micromachining, precision micro assembly and laser machining, 80 complex targets were produced for 6 shot days.  The support of this and other academic experiments over the next few months has led to the development of new material production capabilities in the CLF and has further strengthened the relationship between the group and AWE.

Image (click for enlarged view): (Left) The ultra-complex ‘POLAR’ interaction target, designed to enable a line of sight for imaging diagnostics. (Right) Target produced to enable X-ray generation as a backlighter for diagnostics