Comparison of Stark Broadening and Doppler Broadening of Spectral Lines in Dense Hot Plasmas

We have developed computer programs to compare the relative importance of Stark and Doppler broadening mechanisms for a radiator in a plasma system. By systematically varying the temperature and plasma density in our calculations, we will be able to identify parameter regimes in which one or both of the broadening mechanisms dominates. If one mechanism can be neglected, run times for model calculations will be shortened. This work will eventually lead to improvements in measuring the temperature and density of plasmas. 2 Many astrophysical systems are comprised of plasmas that emit radiation in the x-ray range. The x-ray emission can be gathered with a spectrometer connected to a large telescope. By increasing our understanding of plasmas and their emitted line spectra, we will be able to better interpret the data and extend our knowledge of astrophysical systems. At the laboratory for Laser Energetics in Rochester, New York, plasmas are created by hitting a micro-balloon with 60 uniformly spaced laser beams of ultraviole