Investigation of the ion composition of an expanding laser plasma by emission x-ray spectroscopy methods

X-ray spectroscopic methods were used in an investigation of changes in the ion composition of an aluminium laser plasma in the course of its expansion. Plasma diagnostics was based on the intensities and profiles of the 3p–1s and 1snp–1s² (n = 6–10) spectral lines of H-like and He-like Al XIII and Al XII ions. The greatest changes in the charge state of the plasma occurred quite close (less than 0.5 mm) to the target.