Extension of atomic configuration sets of the Non-LTE model in the application to the Kα diagnostics of hot dense matter

High intensity short-pulse laser experiments are used for various applications from fast ignitor concept to proton beam generation. These systems produce substantial fluxes of energetic electrons, and the production of K alpha spectrum by these energetic electrons has become a key diagnostics of interaction of short-pulse laser and solid-density matter. In general, spectral modeling is required to derive the thermal electron temperature from measured K alpha spectrum and it is essential to use a Non-LTE ( local thermodynamic equilibrium) model for this purpose. In this paper, we investigate the assumptions necessary for the application of the Non-LTE models and show that an extensive set of configurations is required to provide a valid K alpha diagnosis of hot dense matter. Published by Elsevier B. V.