Abstract

We consider some possible mechanisms for producing gain in the 10-nm spectral region. They involve the creation of a population inversion in a confined plasma column by selective excitation of multiply charged ions through absorption of many (>10) ultraviolet photons. Calculations of the energy-level structure of ions in the Kr isoelectronic sequence show singly and multiply excited states that provide suitable strong radiative transitions in the region of 10 nm. The potential for achieving x-ray lasing action in Kr-like ions pumped by a KrF excimer laser is most favorable at high Z.

© 1986 Optical Society of America

Multiphoton ionization in ultrahigh optical fields: a statistical description

H. Egger, U. Johann, T. S. Luk, and C. K. Rhodes
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 3(6) 901-905 (1986)

Interaction of atomic and molecular systems with high-intensity ultraviolet radiation

K. Boyer, H. Egger, T. S. Luk, H. Pummer, and C. K. Rhodes
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 1(1) 3-8 (1984)

Alkaline earthlike spectra in highly ionized members of the Sm isoelectronic sequence

Lorenzo J. Curtis
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 3(8) 1102-1106 (1986)

Laser-driven ionization of Cs and absorption spectrum of resultant Cs⁺ vapor

T. J. McIlrath, J. Sugar, V. Kaufman, D. Cooper, and W. T. Hill
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 3(3) 398-402 (1986)

Rydberg x-ray laser based on inner-electron optical-field ionization

R. B. Vrijen and L. D. Noordam
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 13(1) 189-196 (1996)