Quick Shot

Scientists Peter Celliers (LLNL, left) and Tom Boehly (LLE, right) set up the OMEGA high-resolution velocimeter (OHRV) system in the OMEGA Target Bay. The OHRV is able to capture a 2-ps, 2-D “image” of a shock front velocity profile with high spatial and temporal resolution. These profiles can be used to study the viscosity of shocked materials and to quantify the effect of laser imprinting on shock uniformity. The device is seen to the right in this image and comprises a probe laser, two interferometers, and a streak camera.