Absolute Calibration of Collisional Radiative Models Versus X-ray Spectra from Solid-Density Plasmas*

Laser-produced plasmas emit x-rays that convey their temperatures, densities, and dynamics. [1,2] However, x-ray detectors capable of sub-picosecond time resolution have small detector area size that limits energy bandwidth. We conducted raytracing [3] and analytical simulations to optimize placement of a Bragg crystal in upcoming laser experiments for desired spectral range and maximal intensity. The resulting geometry was implemented in an experimental campaign at the ALEPH facility using time integrated spectrometers and an x-ray streak camera. [4] Simulation predictions are compared to experimental data and an analysis of signal intensity versus source-to-crystal distance is performed. Time integrated x-ray line emission spectra are absolutely calibrated using the specifications of the detector, effective viewing angle, and estimated plasma volume. The calibrated data is compared to spectral line shapes generated from collisional radiative codes PrismSPECT and SCRAM to test absolute accuracy of the codes.