Modeling X-Ray Photoionized Plasmas Produced at the Sandia Z-Facility

• Published in: Astrophysics and space science Vol. 298; no. 1-2; pp. 147 - 153
• Main Authors: Hoof, PAM, Foord, ME, Heeter, R F, Bailey, JE, Chung, H-K, Cuneo, ME, Goldstein, W H, Jonauskas, V, Keenan, F P, Kisielius, R, Liedahl, DA, Ramsbottom, C, Rose, S J, Springer, P T, Thoe, R S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2005
• Subjects: Astrophysics; Charge; Density; Flux; Ionization; Iron; Photoionization; Plasma; Plasmas; Spectroscopy; X-ray astronomy; X-rays; USA, New Mexico, Albuquerque; USA, New Mexico
• ISSN: 0004-640X; 1572-946X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10509-005-3925-1

In experiments at the high-power Z-facility at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we have been able to produce a low density photoionized laboratory plasma of Fe mixed with NaF. The conditions in the experiment allow a meaningful comparison with X-ray emission from astrophysical sources. The charge state distributions of Fe, Na and F are determined in this plasma using high resolution X-ray spectroscopy. Independent measurements of the density and radiation flux indicate unprecedented values for the ionization parameter xi = 20-25 erg cm s super(-1) under nearly steady-state conditions. First comparisons of the measured charge state distributions with X-ray photoionization models show reasonable agreement, although many questions remain.