Manuscript on Thomson-Scattering Diagnostics Chosen As Editor's Pick

Two figures from Review of Scientific Instruments by Joseph Katz.

A novel Thomson-scattering diagnostic developed by researchers at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) has been recognized by the Editor of AIP’s Review of Scientific Instruments. The manuscript, titled “Measurement of Thomson-scattering spectra with continuous angular resolution,” has been published and selected as an Editor’s Pick.

The research team, led by J. Katz, R. Boni, A. Milder, D. Nelson, K. Daub, and D. Froula, presents a novel diagnostic that offers continuous angular resolution over a span of 120° on the OMEGA Laser System. By spectrally resolving the light scattered from electron plasma wave features as a function of emission angle, this diagnostic enables the measurement of 2D electron distribution functions with an exceptionally wide dynamic range.

This innovative approach has significant implications for the study of nonlocal thermal transport in plasmas. LLE researchers are investigating the velocity distribution of electrons responsible for carrying heat along a temperature gradient and those that carry the return current to maintain quasi-neutral plasma. This research is supported in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

The recognition of this manuscript highlights the exceptional quality of the research conducted at LLE and its contributions to the field of plasma physics. The development of this novel Thomson-scattering diagnostic represents a significant advancement in our ability to understand and characterize complex plasma phenomena. Congratulations, team!