Debris characterization diagnostic for the NIF

Generation of debris from targets and by x-ray ablation of surrounding mate rials will be a matter of concern for experimenters and National Ignition F acility (NIF) operations. Target chamber and final optics protection, for e xample debris shield damage, drive the interest for NIF operations. Experim enters are primarily concerned with diagnostic survivability, separation of mechanical versus radiation induced test object response in the case of ef fects tests, and radiation transport through the debris field when the net radiation output is used to benchmark computer codes. In addition, radioche mical analysis of activated capsule debris during ignition shots can provid e a measure of the ablator [rhor]. Conceptual design of the Debris Monitor and Rad-Chem Station, one of the NIF core diagnostics, is presented. Method s of debris collection, particle size and mass analysis, impulse measuremen t, and radiochemical analysis are given. A description of recent experiment s involving debris collection and impulse measurement on the OMEGA and Phar os lasers is also provided. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.