Estimation of optimum electron temperature for maximum x-ray laser gain from 3p–3s transitions of neonlike ions in laser plasmas

Abstract

The fraction of neonlike ions and the average ionic charge state in laser plasmas formed at the surface of the solid targets of germanium, selenium, and krypton have been obtained at several electron temperatures using the steady-state collisional radiative ionization model. Dielectronic recombination has been considered. The effect of consideration of dielectronic recombination of ions of one or more charge states on these parameters has been studied. It is observed that the values of electron temperature corresponding to the maximum abundance of neonlike ions in different cases of dielectronic recombination are significantly different from those obtained without consideration of dielectronic recombination. The optimum electron temperature of the plasma is estimated from the maximization of the x-ray laser gain through temperature-dependent variables of the gain coefficient and is observed to be the electron temperature at which the abundance of neonlike ions is maximum.