LDRD Final Report - 01-FS-004

This report describes the results from an experimental program to investigate the feasibility of laser produced MeV protons as a diagnostic of electric fields or shock compressed materials. The experimental campaign was very successful, and has led to substantial advances in the characterization and optimization of proton sources from ultra-intense laser-solid interaction. This is a subject of the highest scientific interest [1] and is highly relevant to developing its use as a possible NIF implosion diagnostic and other applications relevant to stockpile stewardship.