Optimized continuum x-ray emission from laser-generated plasma

Krygier, A.; Kemp, G. E.; Coppari, F.; Thorn, D. B.; Bradley, D.; Do, A.; Eggert, J. H.; Hsing, W.; Khan, S. F.; Krauland, C.; Landen, O. L.; MacDonald, M. J.; McNaney, J. M.; Park, H. -S.; Remington, B. A.; Rubery, M.; Schneider, M. B.; Sio, H.; Ping, Y.

doi:10.1063/5.0033629

DOE OSTI · 1769079

Optimized continuum x-ray emission from laser-generated plasma

Krygier, A.·Kemp, G. E.·Coppari, F.·Thorn, D. B.·Bradley, D.·Do, A.·Eggert, J. H.·Hsing, W.·Khan, S. F.·Krauland, C.·Landen, O. L.·MacDonald, M. J.·McNaney, J. M.·Park, H. -S.·Remington, B. A.·Rubery, M.·Schneider, M. B.·Sio, H.·Ping, Y.

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Abstract

We study continuum x-ray emission from hot plasma at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). We find that the x-ray yield in the multi-keV photon energy range is larger in Ti than in Ag or Au. This apparent paradox is due to Ti K-shell vacancies generated by the extraordinary energy density achieved by the NIF lasers. This is supported by direct observations of large continuum enhancement above the Ti K-series limit due to both free–bound (recombination) emission and strong Ly α (H-like) emission. Detailed calculations agree well with our measurements and support our conclusions.  X-ray emission from matter pervades the universe and plays an important role in the high-energy density (HED) regime (~10 5 J/cm 3 ). For example, the emission and absorption of x-rays controls the thermal state and evolution of stellar interiors.

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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY bound states emission spectroscopy hydrodynamics simulations plasmas radiation losses streak cameras x-ray imaging x-ray spectroscopy

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Krygier, A., Kemp, G. E., Coppari, F., Thorn, D. B., Bradley, D., Do, A., Eggert, J. H., Hsing, W., Khan, S. F., Krauland, C., Landen, O. L., MacDonald, M. J., McNaney, J. M., Park, H. -S., Remington, B. A., Rubery, M., Schneider, M. B., Sio, H., Ping, Y.. 2020-12-22. Optimized continuum x-ray emission from laser-generated plasma. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0033629

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