Study of X-ray Spectrum of Laser-produced Gold Plasmas

Aiming at the spectroscopic diagnostic of gold plasmas, we have studied the wavelengths and intensities of X-ray spectral lines emitted in the range 4.4 to 6.2 angstroms by a target made of gold alloyed to a few percent of aluminium irradiated by a laser pulse. Aluminium yields the wavelength calibration and a monitoring of the temperature and the density of the plasma. The main features of the gold spectrum in this spectral range are due to the 3 d -4 f , 3 p -4 s and 3 d -4 p transitions of gold in the Co I through Cu I isoelectronic sequences.