Capillary discharge-driven metal vapor plasma waveguides
- NSF ERC for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 (United States)
We report the generation of dense plasma waveguides containing a large concentration of silver ions by means of a fast ({approx}55 ns first half-cycle) microcapillary discharge. Concave plasma density profiles with axial electron density >1x10{sup 19} cm{sup -3} were measured from discharge ablation of 330 or 440 {mu}m diameter Ag{sub 2}S capillaries with 3-5 kA peak amplitude current pulses. The dynamic of this plasma waveguide was studied with interferometry, absorption measurements, and hydrodynamic model simulations. The results are relevant to the development of efficient longitudinally pumped metal vapor soft x-ray lasers, in particular those employing transient excitation of Ni-like ions. An approach to the design of a gain saturated waveguided 13.9 nm laser in Ni-like Ag is discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 20706335
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Vol. 72, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.72.026413; (c) 2005 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-651X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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