X-ray spectroscopy of high-z elements on nike

Summary form only given. A detailed study of the x-ray spectra of gold has been inspired by the necessities of the National Ignition Campaign to learn more about the M-band contribution to the total energy balance inside the NIF´s hohlraum. For this purpose a survey x-ray spectrometer covering a spectral range from 0.5 to 19.5 angstroms has been added to the the Nike diagnostic suite. This instrument allows simultaneous observation of both M- and N- spectra of Hf, W, Ta, Pt and Au with high spectral resolution. Shots taken with a power density of 2×10¹⁴ W/cm² confirmed the strong presence of transitions of Ni-like ions of the above mentioned elements.In our continued effort to support DOE-NNSA´s inertial fusion program, a future campaign at NRL will cover a wide range of plasma conditions that result in relatively energetic x-ray production. Eventually, absolutely calibrated spectrometers of similar geometry will be fielded at NIF in cooperation with NIF diagnostic group. One instrument under development, named “Virgil”, will obtain spatially and temporally integrated measurements of M-band (1-6 keV) x-rays. It will be installed on the currently unused central channel of the Dante diagnostic. The energy bandpass is being selected to complement several channels of the Dante instrument. It will provide higher energy resolution to allow more accurate determination of the absolute x-ray flux