New method of comparison for electron temperature measurements in plasmas using X-ray spectra of heavy elements

Conditions and applicability limits of a new X-ray spectroscopy method for electron temperature measurements in plasmas of heavy elements are considered. The method is based on comparison of spectra under study with those of well diagnosed laser-produced plasmas. To apply the method for diagnosing tungsten plasmas a thorough analysis of laser-produced plasma spectra has been performed. The analysis included investigation of spectrum peculiarities and determination of electron temperatures. Quantitative data were obtained for determining electron temperatures in tungsten plasmas using relative intensities of spectral peaks in the spectral range λ = 3 — 6 nm.