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Klein, S. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Klein, S. R..

Referenceless, grating-based, single shot X-ray phase contrast imaging with optimized laser-driven K-α sources

With its ability to efficiently probe low-Z materials, X-ray phase imaging methods have recently raised high interest in multiple fields from biology and medical applications to high energy density (HED) physics. Initially developed with synchrotron light and X-ray tubes, we present a novel grating based Talbot X-ray deflectometer (TXD) diagnostic that was coupled with laser-generated K-α X-ray sources. The multi-terawatt laser (I > 1 × 10 14 W cm -2 ) was used as a testbed for diagnostic development. It was found that X-ray source chromaticity plays an important role in TXD. Indeed, the broadband spectrum of laser-generated X-ray sources may strongly impact image quality and thus diagnostic performance. We qualified X-ray emission from different laser-produced sources and determined laser, target, and deflectometer parameters that optimize TXD performance. We present the first results of referenceless grating-based X-ray imaging at high-power laser facilities and discuss the implications of this new development in HED research.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION

Single-Shot Diagnosis of Electron Energy Evolution via Streaked Betatron X Rays in a Curved Laser Wakefield Accelerator

We report on an experimental observation of the streaking of betatron x rays in a curved laser wakefield accelerator. The streaking of the betatron x rays was realized by launching a laser pulse into a plasma with a transverse density gradient. By controlling the plasma density and the density gradient, we realized the steering of the laser driver, electron beam, and betatron x rays simultaneously. Furthermore, we observed an energy-angle correlation of the streaked betatron x rays and utilized it in diagnosing the electron acceleration process in a single-shot mode. Our work could also find applications in advanced control of laser beam and particle propagation. More importantly, the angular streaked betatron x ray has an intrinsic spatiotemporal correlation, which makes it a promising tool for single-shot pump-probe applications.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS

The HEAO-A2 soft X-ray survey of dwarf novae in outburst

Although HEAO-1 scanned 19 dwarf novae while they were undergoing optical outbursts, soft X-ray emission (0.18-0.43 keV) was detected only from SS Cygni and U Geminorum. The 3-sigma upper limits to the flux from nondetected objects are presented, which range from 1 to 10 percent of U Gem's mean flux. In addition, hypotheses for the failure to detect soft X-rays from the majority of the dwarf novae are discussed, including interstellar absorption, source variability, and the spottiness of the X-ray coverage. It is concluded that most dwarf novae are not observed as soft X-ray sources by virtue of low temperatures (less than approximately 100,000 K) or greater absorption.

Cordova, F. A.