Modeling of absorption spectra in dense argon plasmas

Abstract

We have modeled the optical depth of hot, dense Ar plasmas due to line absorption in n = 1 to n = 2 inner-shell transitions in L-shell Ar ions by performing Stark broadened absorption line profile and ionization balance calculations. Our results have built-in the temperature and density dependence characteristic of the level populations as well as the density sensitivity inherent in the Stark broadening of these transitions. Results are presented that illustrate the temperature and density dependence of the optical depth. As an application, we use these results to analyse absorption spectra recorded during the collapse of laser driven implosions of Ar-filled plastic microballoons.