Plasma polymerized p-xylene as a laser fusion target 1

Various polymers have been found to be quite useful for laser fusion target applications. There is often a need for a film with low atomic number and superior strength to accommodate a variety of free-standing configurations with a minimum thickness. The particular film characterized in this study is plasma-polymerized p-xylene. The depositions were made with an ac glow discharge between parallel plate electrodes. Uniform coatings on spherical substrates were deposited by keeping the spheres in motion in the plasma with an electromechanical vibrating table. The films with the greatest strength were found to be grown from gas phase mixtures of argon and p-xylene and the deposition rate and the character of the film were examined as a function of argon concentration. Studies were made of oxygen absorption by the film (as determined by infrared spectroscopy) and powder formation on the surface (as seen by SEM). Further problems unique to laser target fabrication will also be discussed.