Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Compton, Steve.
Presentation describes series of shots done at Special Technologies Laboratory in Santa Barbara, CA, using a high-explosive load on tin as a confirmatory study to quantitatively compare diagnostics.
X-ray Diodes (XRDs) are currently used for spectroscopic measurements, measuring X-ray flux, and estimating spectral shape of the VUV to soft X-ray spectrum. A niche exists for an inexpensive, robust X-ray diode that can be used for experiments in hostile environments on multiple platforms, including explosively driven experiments that have the potential for destroying the diode during the experiment. A multiple channel stacked filtered array was developed with a small field of view where a wider parallel array could not be used, but filtered channels for energies lower than 1000 eV were too fragile to deploy under normal conditions. To achieve both the robustness and the required low-energy detection ability, the researchers designed a small low-energy mirrored channel with a spectral sensitivity from 30 to 1000 eV. The stacked MiniXRD X-ray diode system design incorporates the mirrored low-energy channel on the front of the stacked filtered channels to allow the system to work within a small field of view. We will present results that demonstrate this is a promising solution for low-energy spectrum measurements.
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There are many types of X-ray diodes used for X-ray flux or spectroscopic measurements and for estimating the spectral shape of the VUV to soft X-ray spectrum. However, a need exists for a low-cost, robust X-ray diode to use for experiments in hostile environments on multiple platforms, and for experiments that utilize forces that may destroy the diode(s). Since the typical proposed use required a small size with a minimal single line-of-sight, a parallel array could not be used. So, a stacked, filtered multi-channel X-ray diode array was developed, called the MiniXRD. To achieve significant cost savings while maintaining robustness and ease of field setup, repair, and replacement, we designed the system to be modular. The filters were manufactured in-house and cover the range from 450 eV to 5000 eV. To achieve the line-of-sight accuracy needed, we developed mounts and laser alignment techniques. We modeled and tested elements of the diode design at NSTec Livermore Operations (NSTec / LO) to determine temporal response and dynamic range, leading to diode shape and circuitry changes to optimize impedance and charge storage. The authors fielded individual and stacked systems at several national facilities as ancillary "ride-along" diagnostics to test and improve the design usability. This paper presents the MiniXRD system performance, which supports consideration as a viable low-costalternative for multiple-channel low-energy X-ray measurements. This diode array is currently at Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6.