Conversion of laser light into soft x rays. Part II: Numerical results

Abstract

The conversion of laser light into soft x rays during interaction of intense laser light with a planar gold target was investigated numerically with the help of the multi code [Comput. Phys. Commun. 49, 475 (1988)]. It solves one-dimensional hydrodynamics including flux-limited electron heat conduction, multigroup radiation diffusion, and steady-state nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium radiation physics. The influence of various parameters such as the laser intensity, wavelength, and pulse duration on the conversion efficiency of laser light into x rays was studied. Particular emphasis was placed on comparing the numerical results with the model presented in the preceding paper (Part I) [Phys. Fluids B 2, 199 (1990)]. According to this model the radiating plasma can be divided into a conversion layer and a reemission zone. Its essential features are confirmed by the numerical results.