Generation of XUV Spectra by Powerful Picosecond Laser

Abstract

AbstractThe development of laser action at wavelengths shorter than those of current X-ray lasers is being investigated along two fronts. In the first case, we are exploring the possibilities for laser action at 15.4 nm in Li-like AIXI and 12.9 nm in Li-like SiXII in a magnetically confined recombining plasma. Previous work on hydrogen-like carbon, CVI, led to lasing action at 18.2 nm. Recently, this has been applied to microscopy and first results from a soft X-ray laser microscope are presented. A new technique to generate shorter wavelength X-ray lasing involves the interaction of a high power laser with a preformed plasma. The Powerful Picosecond Laser (PP-Laser) System with an output power level of 20-30 GW and focussed power density of 1016- 1017W/cm2has recently become operational. The spectra of highly ionized atoms in the XUV region were recorded on a high resolution grazing incidence spectrometer for the PP-Laser beam interacting with different solid targets.