PPPS-2013: Design study into a very high temporal resolution, 2D imaging, modular UV and x-ray diagnostic: The orion time dilation imager (TIDI)

Summary form only given. A design study is carried out for the implementation of advanced target diagnostic capability on the Orion laser facility at AWE. An Orion Time-Dilation Imager (TIDI) is planned to provide either UV or x-ray, very high temporally, and spatially, resolved images from high-energy density physics experiments.Topics explored include the principles behind the novel technique of pulse-dilation (the acceleration of a photoelectron pulse with a time varying potential resulting in image temporal magnification); past use of pulse-dilation to produce the Dilation X-ray Imager (DIXI), which has been fielded and characterized on NIF; the potential obstacles, requirements, and design constraints for developing a device capable of very high temporal resolution (~10ps) and 2D imaging of laser-plasma experiments. We also assess the scope for utilizing this diagnostic in previously unobtainable regimes in high-energy density physics experiments. The potential experimental applications inform design decisions, for example; the necessity of a modular design for UV and x-ray sensitivity, ensuring the device is compatible with a ten-inch manipulator, and the benefits and trade-offs of certain critical design parameters like the magnetic field and the voltage sweep.