Features of Studying K-Spectra of Aluminum in a Plasma Produced by Various Methods

We report an investigation of the X-ray spectra of a high-temperature, dense aluminum plasma produced by laser heating and in a high-current pinch. The spectra are measured using the same spectrograph, which helps avoid difficulties in their interpretation and comparison. This approach is shown to be critical when the recording parameters cannot be specified with high accuracy. The spectra are simulated, and plasma parameters are determined. Spectral features associated with differences in the plasma generation methods are identified.