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The advent of high-intensity lasers enables us to recreate and study the behaviour of matter under the extreme densities and pressures that exist in many astrophysical objects. It may also enable us to develop a power source based on laser-driven nuclear fusion. Achieving such conditions usually requires a target that is highly uniform and spherically symmetric. Here we show that it is possible to generate high densities in a so-called fast-ignition target that consists of a thin shell whose spherical symmetry is interrupted by the inclusion of a metal cone. Using picosecond-time-resolved X-ray radiography, we show that we can achieve areal densities in excess of 300 mg cm À 2 with a nanosecond-duration compression pulsethe highest areal density ever reported for a cone-in-shell target. Such densities are high enough to stop MeV electrons, which is necessary for igniting the fuel with a subsequent picosecond pulse focused into the resulting plasma.

Recent results from several projects in the BAM6QT are presented. An infrared camera system was used to image a circular cone at an angle of attack, and the results are compared to previous TSP measurements. The IR images show clear streaks and demonstrate repeatability and low noise levels compared to TSP. Oil flow and surface pressure sensor measurements are presented for a cone with a slice and ramp. Separation and reattachment are discussed, along with the amplification and dampening of instabilities at various locations on the model. The temperature distribution along the BAM6QT nozzle wall was varied to study the relationship between heating and the percentage of a run which was quiet. No apparent correlation was observed. Pitot-probe measurements were taken at various locations on the nozzle centerline to investigate an increase in noise levels that occurs roughly two seconds into runs. The magnitude of the increase and the time at which it started depended on the Reynolds number. Development of higher-Reynolds number hypersonic quiet tunnel facilities may require the use of suction on the nozzle wall. Initial computations are presented for the design of a flared inlet centerbody that can be tested in the Boeing AFOSR/Mach-6 Quiet tunnel to determine the feasibility of creating sufficiently uniform suction. A stability analysis is performed to determine the most unstable second-mode frequencies and to compute the Görtler numbers on the flared aft-body portion. Finally, the 3 inch shock tube used for PCB calibration has been upgraded with high accuracy sensors and an automated pressure control system.

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