Quick Shot

The cryogenic targets used in OMEGA experiments require precise amounts of DT fuel with very smooth surfaces when frozen. To this end, three characterization stations are used to image the contents of the targets from two orthogonal directions. This is done to diagnose the state of the fuel and to characterize the ice layers formed during the laying process. Each characterization station consists of an optical table that is fitted with a moving cryostat docking station, a two-axis viewing system, and a high-quality, charge-coupled–device camera. The stations are capable of measuring the smoothness of the internal fuel layer to levels below 1 µm of surface roughness. Each characterization station is supported at an elevation that allows a moving cryostat transfer cart to be positioned under it. The moving cryostat can then be elevated into the docking station so that the target is visible to the viewing system. Shown here are Mark Wittman, Steve Verbridge, Desirée Whitaker, and Chad Fella.