K-shell line ratios and powers for diagnosing cylindrical plasmas of neon, aluminum, argon, and titanium

Detailed collisional-radiative-equilibrium calculations resonance lines of the hydrogen- and helium-like ionic stages: are presented as isocontours in temperature and density space along with the total power emitted from those stages. Taken together, the contours provide a one-to-one correspondence between line ratios and power outputs and the electron temperatures and ion densities of uniform, cylindrically symmetric, optically thick plasmas. The results are given for different sized neon, aluminum, argon, and titanium plasmas, and for temperatures which favor ionization to the K shell. The underlying physics determining the dependencies of the various quantities and some of the limitations of their application are discussed. These results are intended for use in the diagnosis of Z-pinch plasmas, and can provide insight into how their properties depend on generator and load design. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.