High-resolution x-ray imaging of extended lasing plasmas

An x-ray imaging system with a bent focusing crystal was used for time-resolved one-dimensional imaging of a long plasma column of highly ionized aluminum. This scheme uses a focusing geometry with a spherically bent crystal and a slit on the Rowland circle. Alternative schemes of x-ray monochromatic imaging are briefly discussed. The homogeneity of the up to 40-mm-long laser-generated plasma column was studied with a temporal resolution of 100 ps. The potential spatial resolution of the instrument is 90 microm or better. Monochromatic images taken on the resonance He alpha line of Al XII characterize the homogeneity of a plasma generated to study a recombination x-ray laser scheme, giving an amplified spontaneous emission in Al XI.