A Thomson scattering post-processor for the MEDUSA hydrocode

In order to understand the physical processes that occur in laser-produced plasmas it is necessary to diagnose the time-dependent hydrodynamic conditions. Thomson scattering is, in principle, an ideal diagnostic as it provides a non-intrusive method of measuring ion and electron temperature, electron density, plasma velocity, and heat flow. We describe here a post-processor for the MEDUSA hydrocode that simulates streak camera images of the Thomson spectra. The post-processor can be used in three ways: (1) creating simulated streak camera images that can be compared directly with experimental data, (2) evaluating experimental designs to determine the viability of the Thomson scattering diagnostic, and (3) as an automated data analysis routine for extracting hydrodynamic parameters from a calibrated experimental streak camera image.