Spectral distribution of X-Ray yield of the M-shell emission from laser produced gold plasma

Experimental measurements of the spectral distribution of keV X-ray energy conversion of the M-shell emission from gold plasma produced by a 4 GW, 5 nS Nd:glass laser are presented. At a laser intensity of 2/spl times/10/sup 13/ W/cm/sup 2/, the overall X-ray yield for 2.0 /spl les/hv/spl les/3.6 keV is determined to be 0.1% of the laser energy. The effect of the keV X-ray spectral distribution on radiation preheat is discussed. >