X-Ray Emission Studies of Sub-Picosecond Laser Produced Plasmas

Abstract

We report on both experimental and theoretical studies of high-temperature, high-density plasmas produced when a solid is illuminated with intense, 160 femtosecond laser pulses. Time resolved measurements have determined the x-ray pulsewidth from the plasma to be 2 ± 2 psec in all spectral regions up to a kilovolt. Spectroscopic observations demonstrate that the x-ray emission comes from regions of density higher than those found in a conventional laser produced plasma. Finally reflectivity measurements indicate that the laser is absorbed at the surface of the solid before it expands.