Use of K-shell fluorescence to determine relative population of non-thermal electrons escaping produced in short pulse laser-solid interactions

Through the emission of radiation from a short-pulse laser of <10 picoseconds incident on a solid target, the population of non-thermal electrons can be determined. When the beam hits the target, high energy electrons from a higher L-shell or M-shell fills the lower K-shell of an atom, K-shell fluorescence occurs by the ejection of the lower energy electron by photoionization. Using a high-Z element von Hamos crystal x-ray spectrometer of Titanium (Ti), the x-rays will be imaged on a detector. The von Hamos crystal geometry allows for the full spectrum of energies to be captured in a single shot. This will allow exploration of applications to electron fast ignition where fast electrons are generated and penetrate a dense fuel to generate fusion by depositing their energy.