Measurements of laser bandwidth effect on laser imprinting.

Broad bandwidth promises to be an important improvement for future laser drivers with regard to LPI mitigation. Increased bandwidth is also an effective means for reducing laser imprint through more rapid laser smoothing, such as with induced spatial incoherence (ISI) or smoothing by spectral dispersion (SSD). Measuring this effect and benchmarking simulations is important for understanding the increased parameter space made available by the new drivers. The Nike laser has demonstrated capability to provide a wide range (0.2 – 3 THz) bandwidth on target. We will present results of using this capability together with the curved crystal monochromatic x-ray radiography to measure the effect of bandwidth on laser imprint.