Towards Z-average measurements in laser-driven foams using Talbot X-ray Diagnostics

Single-shot Talbot X-ray Deflectometry (TXD) is a powerful plasma diagnostic that can deliver Z-average maps by combining x-ray phase and attenuation information. To determine low-density porous media behavior under dynamic compression, foam targets of various densities were irradiated by the LCLS Matter in Extreme Conditions laser (~ 60 J, 10 ns, >10¹⁵ W/cm²). Standard (20,50, 100, and 500 mg/cc) and 3D printed foams were tested to determine the influence of target composition and structure in shock dynamics and instability onset and evolution. High-resolution TXD images of cold targets were post-processed with the Talbot Numerical Tool to retrieve 2D phase change and transmission maps. In the interest of demonstrating Z-average diagnostics, preliminarily material composition information was obtained. This novel TXD capability will be applied to future studies analyzing the interactions between the pusher material and the foam target and how these impact shock dynamics.