SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF SHORT-PULSE LASER-PRODUCED PLASMAS

Experimental spectra of hot dense plasmas of aluminium produced by the interaction of a subpicosecond laser with solid targets at 10(16) and 5 x 10(17) W/cm(2) are analyzed and discussed. A detailed analysis of the K-shell spectra is given through time-dependent calculations of atomic physics postprocessed to Fokker-Planck calculations of the laser-matter interaction. The non-Maxwellian character of the electron distribution function is shown. An evaluation of the electronic density and of the ion temperature T-i will be presented through Stark line broadening calculations. An X-ray spectrum from a Tantalum target also will be presented along with a preliminary interpretation.