Review of neon-like and nickel-like ions lasing on the J = 0 {r_arrow} 1 line using the prepulse and multiple pulse techniques

Abstract

The authors discuss the use of a prepulse technique to achieve lasing in low-Z neon-like ions on the 3p {r_arrow} 3s(J = 0 {r_arrow} 1) transition. Lasing has now been observed on this transitions for neon-like ions from chlorine to selenium with wavelengths ranging from 528 {angstrom} to 182 {angstrom}. For the germanium targets they present two dimensional space resolves images of the laser output with magnification of ten. Using a gas puff target as an alternative to the prepulse technique, they observe lasing at 469 {angstrom} in neon-like argon. Using a series of 100 ps pulses 400 ps apart to illuminate germanium and selenium plasmas they present results which now show the 3p {r_arrow} 3s(J = 0 {r_arrow} 1) transition to dominate the other laser lines even for selenium. Applying the multiple pulse technique to nickel-like ions they observed lasing at 79 {angstrom} on the 4d {r_arrow} 4p(J = 0 {r_arrow} 1) transition in nickel-like neodymium (Z = 60) when a series of 100--150 ps pulses which are 400--500 ps apart are used to illuminate slab targets of neodymium. To maximize the laser output for neodymium they combine the advantages of coupling two slab targets, using the traveling wave geometry, and curving the target surface.