Streaked laser absorption measurements of density and temperature profiles in a high density Z pinch

A nonresonant laser absorption technique is described for studying the density and temperature profiles in a high density z‐pinch discharge. A long pulse (700‐ns) dye laser backlights the pinch and a streak camera records the transmitted laser intensity. Spatially and temporally resolved absorption coefficients are inferred from the fractional transmission through the plasma. The measured values are related to plasma density and temperature profiles using theoretical calculated absorption coefficients and equations of state. The results demonstrate the fine spatial resolution that can be obtained with this technique, reveal a complex radial structure in z‐pinch discharges not observable in emission light streak photographs, and establish the practicality of using the technique to evaluate and benchmark theoretical model predictions.