PPPS-2013: Optimization of x-ray backlighting for experiments on Z

Summary form only given. Sandia National Laboratories´ Z-Backlighter Facility is using a laser driven monochromatic X-ray crystal imaging concept at the Manganese He-alpha energy of 6.151 keV to backlight HEDP experiments on the Z-Accelerator¹. To further improve the reliability and efficiency of this tool, a series of experiments has been performed to determine the system´s sensitivity to parameter variations such as changes in focus quality, polarization angle, target properties, pre-pulse levels or pulse energy. Improved hardware sets have been developed to enhance the precision and robustness of the target setup for transport between pre-alignment and final shot implementation. Along with target development, an evaluation of new detector types is underway.