Time-resolved x-ray and extreme ultraviolate spectrometer for use on the National Spherical Torus Experiment

Rev Sci Instrum. 2008 Oct;79(10):10E318. doi: 10.1063/1.2953488.

Abstract

We describe upgrades to a compact grazing-incidence spectrometer utilized on the National Spherical Torus Experiment for monitoring light and heavy impurities. A fast-readout charge couple device camera has been implemented that allows the recording of spectra with up to 25 ms time integration. This capability is used to study the time evolution of the K-shell emission of hydrogenlike and heliumlike boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen between 10 and 65 A. Different camera positioning pieces have been employed to extend the possible spectral range to as high as 140. Several lines that cannot be ascribed to the usual elements found in the plasma have been observed in this spectral range, although often only in a few isolated discharges.