X-Ray Emission From High-Z Spherical Laser Plasmas: Implications For Plasma Dynamics

Conversion of 351-nm laser light to soft x-rays has been studied using spherical gold targets irradiated at 5 x 1012-4 x 1015 W/cm2. Spectra and time histories of sub-keV and M-band emission are presented. Results have been compared to detailed models (LASNEX) to better determine the dynamics of the plasma processes which lead to x-ray emission.