Application of Non-Interferometric Phase Sensitive Visible/UV Diagnostics in Three and Four-Dimensions and Extension of Non-Interferometric Phase Sensitive Diagnostics into the Soft X-Ray Regime

Summary form only given. The characterization of high energy density physics experiments in three dimensions has rarely been undertaken and the capability of measuring in four dimensions currently does not exist. Current high energy density diagnostics measure almost exclusively in two-dimensions and, as such, provide limited ability to benchmark existing and future hydrodynamical codes. We present several novel phase-sensitive diagnostics that will enable the three-dimensional spatial characterization of plasma densities and also the temporal evolution of such profiles. These diagnostics represent a critical capability, which currently does not exist, for benchmarking and validating four-dimensional hydrodynamical codes with experiments. Extension of non-interferometric phase sensitive sensors into the soft-X-ray regime will allow for characterization of high-density plasmas using soft-X-ray lasers or incoherent X-ray backlighters. The merits of these diagnostic over current interferometric and deflectometry techniques include, higher efficiency, incoherent or low coherence length light capability, two-dimensional gradient determination, higher energy operation and experimental simplicity. Several diagnostic designs are presented