Abstract

We derive a novel expression for the mutual-coherence function for plasma x-ray lasers using generalized matrix optics. The expression is valid when optical systems can be described by complex ABCDGH beam matrices and when gain saturation can be ignored. The model is used to analyze the output-beam characteristics and the spatial-coherence properties of a general class of x-ray lasers that contain exploding-foil, slab, and curved targets. Comparison of our results with numerical solutions of the paraxial wave equation and previous experimental data shows good agreement.

© 1999 Optical Society of America

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