X-ray imaging of cryogenic deuterium-tritium layers in a beryllium shell

Solid deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel layers inside copper-doped beryllium shells are robust inertial confinement fusion fuel pellets. This paper describes the first characterization of such layers using phase-contrast x-ray imaging. Good agreement is found between calculation and experimental contrast at the layer interfaces. Uniform solid D-T layers and their response to thermal asymmetries were measured in the Be(Cu) shell. The solid D-T redistribution time constant was measured to be 28 min in the Be(Cu) shell.