First results from a soft-x-ray laser experiment in a confined plasma column
We present a description of the experimental set up and the first results from an experiment designed to achieve lasing action in the soft x-ray region of the spectrum. A 0.5 kJ CO/sub 2/ laser was focused into a target gas, typically CO/sub 2/, and the resulting plasma was confined in a 50 to 90 kG magnetic field. Spectroscopic diagnostics were used to monitor the n = 7 and n = 8 level populations of CVI as well as ultraviolet emission lines of CV and CIII, for different plasma conditions. We present data showing that as the confining magnetic field was increased, the plasma column diameter decreased, the CVI 3434 line intensity (7 ..-->.. 6 transition) increased and its decay time decreased consistent with earlier computer modeling. We also discuss the effect of the low intensity tail, normally present in CO/sub 2/ laser pulses, on the predicted population inversion. Analysis of the experimental data by computer simulation shows the range of expected total gain on the n = 3 to n = 2 transition at 182A in these experiments was G = 0.05 to 0.1 and the possibility for its significant increase.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH03073
- OSTI ID:
- 5432320
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-1896; ON: DE82014960
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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