High dynamic range, space-resolved X-ray spectra of an aluminum laser-plasm
a in the 5.5-8 Angstrom range were obtained using a TIAP crystal and a cool
ed CCD camera as a detector. This technique was used to investigate the emi
ssion region in the longitudinal direction over a distance of approximately
350 mum from the solid target surface. These data show that the electron d
ensity profile varies by two orders of magnitude with the temperature rangi
ng from about 180 eV in the overdense region to about 650 eV in the underde
nse region. Accordingly, different equilibria take place across the explore
d region which can be identified with this experimental technique. Derailed
studies on highly ionized atomic species in different plasma conditions ca
n therefore be performed simultaneously under controlled conditions.