Study of x-ray emission from proton acceleration targets at Draco PW laser facility

Laser plasma-based ion accelerators are very promising candidates for many applications. In order to ensure the reliability of such accelerators a comprehensive set of diagnostics is required. X-ray emission spectroscopy allows us to directly measure the plasma conditions of the laser-plasma interaction and also provides information about the hot electron population through the cold K-α emission production.
Here, we present preliminary results from two new x-ray spectrometers used to study interaction regimes relevant for laser-driven ion acceleration at ultra-short pulse PW-class laser facility. We acquired the emission spectra from flat Ti targets for a range of target thicknesses and laser energies. Additionally, artificial laser pre-pulses were added to alter the laser absorption efficiency.