Experimental and theoretical studies of the physical processes occurring in thin plane targets irradiated by intense X-ray pulses

Results are presented from experimental and theoretical studies of the interaction of intense X-ray pulses with different types of plane targets, including low-density (∼10 mg/cm3) ones, in the Angara-5-1 facility. It is found experimentally that a dense low-temperature plasma forms on the target surface before the arrival of the main heating X-ray pulse. It is demonstrated that the contrast of the X-ray pulse can be increased by placing a thin organic film between the target and the discharge gap. The expansion velocity of the plasma created on the target surface irradiated by Z-pinch-produced X rays was found to be (3–4) × 106 cm/s. A comparison between the simulation and experimental results confirms the validity of the physical-mathematical model used.