Abstract. Absolute K line spectroscopy is proposed to study laser-plasma interactions taking place in cone-guided fast ignition targets. A transmission-type spectrometer was developed, and its absolute sensitivity was measured with laser-generated x-rays and radioisotopes, showing good agreement with theoretical predictions. The absolute yield of Au K line was mesured in the fast ignition experimental campaign perfomed at ILE, Osaka University. Assuming a single Maxwellian electron spectrum and oneway travel of hot electrons through the cone, energy transfer efficiency of incident LFEX laser to hot electrons was derived.