EXPERIMENTAL-OBSERVATION OF THE SHIFT AND WIDTH OF THE ALUMINUM K ABSORPTION-EDGE IN LASER SHOCK-COMPRESSED PLASMAS

Experimental measurements of the shift and width of the aluminium K-ab sorption edge in laser shock-compressed plasma is presented. The spect rometer used in these experiments allows an accurate wavelength calibr ation and fiduciary and hence provides precise measurements of both th e shift and the width of the absorption edge. Results have been obtain ed for compressions up to approximately x2 and temperatures up to abou t 1.5 eV. The values of shift and width are compared with a new model with which there is very good agreement.