A Picosecond Framing Camera for Single or Multiple Frames

Abstract

This chapter discusses the picosecond framing camera for single or multiple frames. The electronoptical framing camera, capable of producing two-dimensional single frames, or preferably a sequence of framed images, is an important and versatile diagnostic tool with direct application in experiments on laser-induced thermonuclear fusion and more general laser–plasma interactions. Currently available commercial cameras have a time resolution limit of approximately 1 nanosecond and interframe period of approximately 2 nanoseconds with modest spatial resolution. To adequately supplement the time-resolved data obtained from NIR/ visible, UV, VUV, and X-ray sensitive streak cameras, there is a need to develop a picosecond framing camera. Its primary features must include (1) frame exposure time of ≥100 per second, (2) interframe period of ≥250 per second, (3) dynamic spatial resolution of ≥10 lp mm–1, and (4) X-ray/NIR spectral coverage using appropriate photocathodes. The chapter discusses the principle of operation and design of a photochron-framing-image tube. Preliminary results are also included to illustrate the static and dynamic performance characteristics of an experimental S·20 version of this picosecond framing camera. © 1985, Academic Press Inc. (London) Ltd.