Applications of ERL X-Rays in Dynamic Compression of Condensed Matter
Sheng-Nian Luo, Damian C. Swift, and Dennis L. Paisley
P-24 Plasma Physics, Physics Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory
The ultra-bright and well-controlled ERL X-ray sources supply a powerful tool for time-resolved experiments on condensed matter subjected to shock wave loading at time scales ranging from sub-ps to ms, including diffraction, radiography and spectroscopy in conjunction with conventional shock wave diagnostics. The applications include but not limited to equation of state, phase transitions, plasticity, defects, spall and damage, optical properties, and chemistry. The shock wave loading will mostly utilize direct laser ablation and flyer plates driven by portable lasers in the pressure range of 1—500 GPa. Our early efforts will be dedicated to establishing the paradigms for shock experiments using different ERL diagnostics. The pilot experiments on phase transitions using time-resolved ERL X-ray diffraction (TEXD) will be conducted on Gallium to probe shock-induced melting, solidification, solid—solid transition, and their kinetics. Shock-induced decomposition of CaCO3 will be probed using time-resolved spectroscopy at ERL’s ultra-fast mode. X-ray radiography will be attempted to investigate spall of single- and bi-crystal NiAl. Transmission spectrum of shocked Al in the ERL X-ray regime will also be measured. When firmly established, we expect to extend these techniques to a wide range of materials and pressures.
