Implementation of an Ultrafast X-Ray Imager with an XFEL Multi-Pulse Train to Measure Void Collapse during Laser Driven Shock Compression

Characterizing the dynamic behavior of ablator materials with defects, such as micro-voids, is crucial in advancing nuclear fusion as a reliable energy source. At the Matter in Extreme Conditions (MEC) Instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), we use a train of femtosecond x-ray pulses, separated by 2-3 nanoseconds, to study laser-shock compressed micro-voids embedded in polymer. We record 4 dynamic images utilizing an ultra-fast x-ray imaging (UXI) camera. Also, with single pulses, we seek quantitative characterization of the behavior of the shock-compressed void which requires phase retrieval and, subsequently, measurement of the areal density.