Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 March 2001
We present the results of X-ray diagnostics of Z-pinch hot points, formed during fast electrical discharges through exploding Al wires. Experimental data include the pinhole images and X-ray time integrated radiation spectra. These spectra were obtained with high spectral resolution in the range 1.5–2.2 keV, contained the most intensive resonance lines of Al H- and He-like ions. Comparison of the recorded lines width and peak intensities with the corresponding modeled values, enables us to estimate the main hydrodynamical parameters of hot point, such as average temperature and density, being achieved at a moment of its maximum compression. Additionally, on the base of theoretical analysis of the spectral intensities distribution in well-resolved Lyα satellites, the gradient of compression velocities field is concluded. Some features of the investigated lines spectra forming are discussed.