X-ray emission in laser-produced plasmas

Numerical results are presented for the characteristics of heavy-ion laser-produced plasmas. A conversion ratio defined as x-ray power/absorbed power is then computed. Collisional-radiative equilibrium is assumed for the ionization model. In the case of low radiation emission, a relation between laser flux and plasma temperature is derived. The one-dimensional geometrical model is then corrected in the expansion by assuming that the emission occurs, in fact, over a length L only. Results are given and compared with experimental ones. The influence of the laser wavelength is also discussed and conclusions on the possible applications of these laser-produced plasmas are drawn.