Direct density measurements using plate impact and proton radiography

Proton radiography (pRad) is a powerful new diagnostic with the potential of producing accurate (1%) direct density measurements from dynamically loaded materials. Experiments have been performed to investigate the feasibility of using proton radiography (pRad) to obtain dynamic radiographs of shock-compressed materials during plate impact experiments. This work has involved the design, manufacturing, and testing of a new 40mm single-stage, powder driven gun, the development of methods to synchronize the shock event generated with the gun to proton output, and initial proof-of-principle experiments in Area C at LANSCE. The method used to attain synchronization of the shock event to proton beam output will be discussed and the results of our initial experiments will be presented.