MEASUREMENT OF THE POLARIZATION OF LINE-PROFILES IN THE X-RAY REGION AND THE DIAGNOSTIC POSSIBILITIES

A relatively new technique for polarization analysis of X-ray line pro files was employed. A significant difference in profiles of the Al XII Lyman gamma line registered in two orthogonal linear polarizations wa s observed in a powerful Z-pinch. This is a measurement of a polarizat ion of X-ray line profiles in laboratory plasmas. The observed polariz ation of the profiles was interpreted as being due to strong Langmuir waves developed primarily along the discharge current. This diagnostic technique could also be applied to other areas of high-temperature pl asma research, for example, to laser fusion. It may be the first measu rement of polarization using the profiles of X-ray lines. (C) 1997 Pub lished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.