Time-resolved x-ray spectrometer for opacity study through Z-pinch dynamic Hohlraum radiation

Area of Science:

• * Plasma Physics
• * X-ray Spectroscopy
• * Materials Science

Background:

• * Z-pinch dynamic Hohlraum experiments require advanced diagnostic tools.
• * Characterizing radiation-driven opacity in dense plasmas is crucial for understanding energy transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce a novel time-resolved X-ray spectrometer for Z-pinch experiments.
• * To measure the absorption X-ray spectrum of radiation-heated Al/Fe mixed plasma.
• * To determine plasma parameters like temperature and ion density.

Main Methods:

• * Development and utilization of a new time-resolved X-ray spectrometer with a six-slits imaging system.
• * Employing a convex cylindrical KAP crystal for X-ray diffraction and MCP detectors for soft X-ray spectral imaging.
• * Gating time of approximately 1.1 ns to minimize background noise from Z-pinch radiation.

Main Results:

• * Successful acquisition of time-resolved and time-integrated absorption X-ray spectra of radiation-heated Al/Fe plasma.
• * Experimental X-ray transmission data compared with theoretical calculations for Al plasma.
• * Determination of plasma temperature at ~112 eV and ion density at 1.1 × 10^21 cm^-3 for the Al/Fe plasma.

Conclusions:

• * The developed X-ray spectrometer is effective for opacity experiments in Z-pinch dynamic Hohlraums.
• * The study provides critical data on the physical conditions of radiation-heated Al/Fe plasmas.
• * Findings contribute to a better understanding of opacity in high-energy-density plasmas.