X-ray spectroscopy of laser-produced plasma

A review of the current status of spectroscopic techniques in the study of high temperature matter at extremely high temperatures and pressures is presented. Specific attention is given to: isoelectronic sequences in the X-ray spectra of multiply charged ions; the intensity of line spectra in multiply charged dense plasma ions; the application of laser-produced plasmas to the study of multiply charged ions and short wavelength radiation. Methods for the observation and recording of X-ray line spectra from pulsed plasma sources are also discussed, including: crystal spectrograph configurations; X-ray images of plasma objects; and soft X-ray detectors. The possible use of plasmas containing multiply charged ions as active media for ultraviolet and X-ray lasers is also considered. 609 references