Applications of high repetition rate tabletop soft X-ray lasers become a reality in several fields

Abstract

For many years researchers have envisioned the development of compact high repetition rate tabletop soft x-ray lasers that could be routinely used in application in numerous disciplines. With demonstrated average powers of several mW and millijoule-level pulse energy at 46.9nm, the Ne-like Ar capillary discharge-pumped laser is the first compact laser to reach this goal. In this paper we summarize the development status of high repetition rate tabletop soft x-ray lasers based on capillary discharge excitation, and give examples of their successful use in several applications. Results of the use of a capillary discharge pumped 46.9nm laser in dense plasma interferometry, soft x-ray reflectometry for the determination of optical constants, characterization of diffraction gratings, laser ablation of materials, and plasma generation are described. The observation of lasing at 52.9nm line in Ne-like Cl with output pulse energy up to 10 μJ is also reported.