HIGH-ENERGY X-RAY MICROSCOPY OF LASER-FUSION PLASMAS AT THE NATIONAL IGNITION FACILITY

Multi-keV X-ray microscopy will be an important laser-produced plasma diagnostic at future megajoule facilities such as the National Ignitio n Facility (NIF). In preparation for the construction of this facility , we have investigated several instrumentation options in detail, and we conclude that near-normal-incidence single spherical or toroidal cr ystals may offer the best general solution for high-energy X-ray micro scopy at NIF and at similar large facilities. Kirkpatrick-Baez microsc opes using multilayer mirrors may also be good secondary options, part icularly if apertures are used to increase the band width-limited fiel d of view.