Imaging the inner shell of a Double Shell implosion with high-energy x-rays

Double shell capsules provide a complementary and alternative path to the single shell inertial confinement fusion (ICF) approach. Generically, a double shell capsule consists of an outer shell, a medium between the shells and a high-Z inner shell filled with DT fuel. Double shell targets rely on effectively transferring the kinetic energy of the outer shell to the inner shell to compress the DT fuel. To measure the shape of the inner shell surface pushing against the DT, high energy x-rays are required. We are developing a platform to study the evolution and shape of the inner shell starting with surrogate materials and utilizing the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). We will discuss the current status and present initial results.