Effects of target heating on experiments using Kα and Kβ diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Atomic Physics
• Laser-Matter Interaction

Background:

• Laser-matter interactions generate hot electrons, influencing target emission.
• Understanding Kα and Kβ radiation is crucial for plasma diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of heating and ionization on Kα and Kβ emission.
• To establish a theoretical background for temperature diagnostics in laser-plasma experiments.

Main Methods:

• Calculated changes in emission wavelength, ionization cross section, and fluorescence yield for copper.
• Modeled hot electron energy distributions (50 and 500 keV) and ionization equilibrium.

Main Results:

• Quantified the impact of ionization on emission characteristics.
• Demonstrated the influence of hot electron energy on spectral output.
• Validated theoretical calculations against experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a robust theoretical foundation for temperature diagnostics.
• Findings are applicable to various laser-plasma regimes, including shock and fast ignition.
• Emission characteristics are sensitive to plasma temperature and ionization state.