X-ray spectral diagnostics of plasmas heated by picosecond laser pulses

The properties of a magnesium plasma heated by picosecond laser pulses have been determined by x-ray spectral methods. Experiments were carried out at a laser power density $\simeq1,5\cdot10^{18}$ W/cm$^2$. The x-ray spectra were detected by spectrographs with a plane CsAP crystal and a mica crystal bent into part of a spherical surface 10 cm in radius. The experimental data are compared with predictions of a calculation on the time-varying kinetics of multiply charged magnesium ions.