Spectroscopic diagnostics on high-density, strongly-coupled ICF plasmas. Semi-annual report, February 1, 1995--July 31, 1995

In our research for the period of February 1, 1995 through July 31, 1995, we have upgraded our equipment in anticipation of the restart of the Omega-Upgrade laser at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics/National Laser User Facility (LLE/NLUF). During this period we also have carried out some exploratory experiments on aluminum targets related to both continuum and line emissions near series limits where lines blend into the continuum. This work was performed using the Trident glass laser at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The layout of this experiment showing the diagnostics deployed is presented in this report. We had almost 60 shots at full power [175 J at 2{omega} in 1 ns pulses focused to a 0.5-mm diameter spot for an irradiance per beam of 8{times}10{sup 13} W/cm{sup 2}]. The targets were mainly 1 mm {times} 1 mm square aluminum foils of thickness varying from 2.5 to 25 {mu}m. Most were coated with 1 {mu}m of CH on both sides as a tamper to increase the compressed plasma density prior to expansion. Also, most targets were illuminated from both sides