Abstract

We are vigorously continuing our research into the design, demonstration, and application of the Nova laser-pumped x-ray laser. Using exploding foil^1,2 plasma amplifier designs we are pursuing inversion schemes using neon, nickel, and other ionization sequences in an effort to achieve significant single-pass or multipass amplification at wavelengths shorter than 10 nm. We report the status of our measurements of the saturation energies, coherent power, beam divergence, modal purity, and other laser characteristics. We also describe our designs and progress on demonstration of multipass amplifiers. Finally, a review is given of the various interesting applications of x-ray lasers having wavelengths in the 3-10-nm regime.

© 1986 Optical Society of America