Micron-resolution radiography of laser-accelerated and X-ray heated foils with an X-ray laser.

We have employed an x-ray laser (XRL) in a multilayer mirror optical system to obtain high resolution side-on radiographs of laser-accelerated and x-ray heated metallic foils. The XRL served as a bright monochromatic backlighting source. This is the first time such images have been made with a resolution on the few-micron scale. In spite of the fact that the drive laser beam was smoothed, small-scale breakup of the accelerated foil was observed. Slightly asymmetric expansion of x-ray heated foils was predicted and observed indicating near-volumetric heating.