Abstract

The results of experiments on the x rays emitted by an energetic vacuum spark are presented. X-ray spectroscopic studies show, in addition to the characteristic x-ray lines of the electrode metal, lines originating from very high stages of ionization of the element. In particular, lines of the 1s²–1snp sequence in the helium-like spectra Ti xxi through Ni xxvii, and the 1s–2p transition in Fe xxvi, were observed. Pinhole photography and time-resolved studies of the total x-ray emission indicate that these highly ionized species originate in a small, hot region between the two electrodes, which is produced by a pinch in a plasma of evaporated anode metal.

© 1968 Optical Society of America

Continuum Radiation Source of High Intensity

P. Bogen, H. Conrads, G. Gatti, and W. Kohlhaas
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(2) 203-206 (1968)

Random Noise Produced by X-Ray Fluorescent Screens*

G. Lubberts
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 58(11) 1475-1483 (1968)

The 1s-3p Kβ-like x-ray spectrum of highly ionized iron

M. Klapisch, J. L. Schwob, B. S. Fraenkel, and J. Oreg
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 67(2) 148-155 (1977)

Emission Characteristics of Vacuum Spark Discharges

J. C. Wahr, W. W. McCormick, and R. A. Sawyer
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 43(3) 151-156 (1953)

Turbulent Eddies in High Density Spark Channels in Helium

Heinz Fischer and Karlheinz Schönbach
Appl. Opt. 7(2) 311-314 (1968)