Overview of the ARGOS X-ray framing camera for Laser MegaJoule.

Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives has developed the ARGOS X-ray framing camera to perform two-dimensional, high-timing resolution imaging of an imploding target on the French high-power laser facility Laser MegaJoule. The main features of this camera are: a microchannel plate gated X-ray detector, a spring-loaded CCD camera that maintains proximity focus in any orientation, and electronics packages that provide remotely-selectable high-voltages to modify the exposure-time of the camera. These components are integrated into an "air-box" that protects them from the harsh environmental conditions.

Target charging in short-pulse-laser-plasma experiments.

Interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with solid targets results in generation of large quantities of energetic electrons that are the origin of various effects such as intense x-ray emission, ion acceleration, and so on. Some of these electrons are escaping the target, leaving behind a significant positive electric charge and creating a strong electromagnetic pulse long after the end of the laser pulse. We propose here a detailed model of the target electric polarization induced by a short and intense laser pulse and an escaping electron bunch.

Diagnostics hardening for harsh environment in Laser Megajoule (invited).

The diagnostic designs for the Laser Megajoule (LMJ) will require components to operate in environments far more severe than those encountered in present facilities. This harsh environment will be induced by fluxes of neutrons, gamma rays, energetic ions, electromagnetic radiations, and, in some cases, debris and shrapnel, at levels several orders of magnitude higher than those experienced today on existing facilities. The lessons learned about the vulnerabilities of present diagnostic parts fielded mainly on OMEGA for many years, have been very useful guide for the design of future LMJ diagnostics.

[Reduction of dehydroascorbic acid by thiols in presence of biocatalytic substances: polarographic study].

The chemical reduction of dehydroascorbic acid is studied in the presence of organic and vitaminic compounds. Redox properties of the compounds: ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, thiols such as glutathion, cistein, British anti-Lewisite (BAL), thiamin, riboflavin, para amino benzoic acid, biotin, 1-4 dihydronaphtoquinone and flavonoids (flavone and derived salts, quercetin rutin, 1-epicatechin and dimer) are established by direct and pulse polarography. The redox reactions are analysed by amperometry.

[Ultrastructural alterations of the alveolar walls capillaries by injection of histamine (author's transl)].

Histamine chlorhydrate was intravenously injected to Guinea pigs (7 microgram/kg). Alterations of the alveolar walls capillaries were by electronic microscopy studied 1.5, 12 and 15 minutes after injection.