X-Ray Emission Spectra from High-Power-Laser-Produced Plasmas

Abstract

Absolute x-ray emission spectra in the range from 1 to 300 keV were measured from C${\mathrm{H}}_2$ plasmas produced at the focus of a high-power (> ${10}^{16}$W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$) 1.06-μm laser. Experimental spectra are compared with hydrodynamic-model predictions. The good agreement indicates that suprathermal electrons are unimportant in the interaction and that self-generated magnetic fields dominate the thermal transport.