Abstract

We have constructed and tested an Nd:glass slab-based laser system for pumping x-ray laser plasmas and have used this system to commence spectroscopy and gain studies around 190 Å in Ni-like species around Z = 42. The Nd:laser system consists of a commercial mode-locked, Q-switched Nd:YLF oscillator, a double-pass Nd:YLF rod amplifier, and the 30 cm × 20 cm × 1 cm Nd:phosphate glass zig-zag slab; it generates 10 J at 0.3 Hz in 100-ps pulses. Output of this system is focused by using a cylindrical lens doublet into a 1 cm × 30 μm line focus. We are performing gain measurements by using this source on solid Mo targets that are rapidly positioned between shots with an automated alignment system. Recent results of these studies will be discussed, together with future plans, including higher peak power zig-zag slab systems and end-pumped XRL schemes.

© 1992 Optical Society of America