Abstract
This report will give an introduction to the X‐line emission processes in laser‐generated plasmas according to a plasma physical point of view. After a short discussion of the experimental results using laser pulses in the range of ≲ 10 J and irreadiances of 1 to 100 MW/cm2 and of first conclusions about the temperature scaling and the dependence of the emission concerning the atomic number of the target material some models of laser‐generated plasmas are analysed. The simple hot‐spot model neglects any hydrodynamics and only solves for the rate equations. We discuss the underlying collisional‐radiative model and evaluate the numerical results of a more complete model for the spatial and temporal plasma evolution including the hydrodynamics. The applications of such plasmas as small, strong, short sources of X‐rays in the keV range is discussed with regard to the lithographic replication of sub‐μm structures and to the EXAFS spectroscopy. Laser‐generated plasmas are compared with conventional X‐ray tubes (with rotating anode) and with synchrotrons. The question of amplified spontaneous emission in the XUV range (superradicant X‐ray sources) is only shortly touched upon. In conclusion some comments are given to the recoil momentum effects of the ablating plasma on the target are given (rocket model).