Modeling the radiograph diagnostic for the Mooncat Campaign on the NIF

The Mooncat experiment on the National Ignition Facility uses a laser-driven hohlraum to create a planar thermal radiation wave in a titanium-doped silica plasma that can be diagnosed with both radiography and absorption spectroscopy [1,2]. This platform can be used to investigate x-ray interaction with matter at conditions relevant to supernovae. Recent shots have focused on developing a method to radiograph the heat wave as a shock develops at the wave front. Previous work has described the simulations that were used to predict the conditions of the heat wave and shock [3]. This work will describe a model of the radiograph that shows how the diagnostic will measure the conditions predicted by the simulation. This model was used to inform the laser beam pointing and intensity as well as the radiograph magnification and timing. The simulated results will be compared with experimental radiographs of supersonic and subsonic heat waves created in a recent shot day.

1. Johns et al., HEDP 39, 100939, (2021)

2. Johns et al., RSI 94, 023502, (2023)

3. Feinberg et al., APS DPP, NO09.00014, (2024)