Preliminary results from the x-ray spectrometers at Draco PW laser facility

A large amount of complex processes within laser-produced plasmas put a huge demand for precise diagnostics methods. For example, x-ray emission spectroscopy can be used to study atomic physics and plasma conditions. Here, we introduce two new x-ray spectrometers installed in the Ion acceleration lab at the Draco PW laser facility. Availability of such diagnostics at the Draco PW Ti:sapphire 30 fs laser system (i.e. ultra-short pulse system) allows not only for studying unique plasma conditions driving the ion acceleration, but also exploring new possibilities for x-ray backlighters suitable for high energy density experiments.
Both spectrometers are utilized for acquisition of Ti spectral lines, but offer different spectral resolution and range. Quartz crystal spectrometer has wider spectral range, including Ti K-α and He-α emission lines in the spectrum, whereas Ge crystal spectrometer focuses on K-α emission lines and offers 1D spatial imaging. We present first results demonstrating the capabilities of both spectrometers.
The first spectroscopic measurements include the emission spectra measurements from flat Ti targets used for proton acceleration calibration and optimization with and without laser pre-pulse and the use of structured targets for enhanced x-ray emission as well as tailoring of the electron spectra for optimization of the proton acceleration process.