Microsphere-based short-wavelength recombination x-ray laser

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Physical Review E; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.47.1321· OSTI ID:6767518

Valeo, E J; Cowley, S C ^[1]

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1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, P.O. Box 451, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

We describe a scheme for obtaining very short wavelengths ([lambda][similar to]10 A) in recombination lasers. The rapid cooling rates necessary to achieve population inversion during recombination are attained by adiabatic expansion of submicrometer spheres. The lasing region is made up of many such spheres. The spheres are heated impulsively by a powerful picosecond laser. First, they ionize, then as they expand, they cool and recombine. We have calculated the optimum sphere size and initial temperature for maximum gain in the [ital n]=3 to 2 transition of hydrogenlike ions of elements with atomic numbers, [ital Z], between 10 and 30. Gain of about 250 cm[sup [minus]1] is calculated in aluminum at 38.8 A. Gain rapidly decreases with [ital Z] so that gain in titanium at 13.6 A is about 10 cm[sup [minus]1]. We have calculated the required pump-laser intensity and found it to be attainable with current lasers. The propagation of the pump through the gas'' of spheres is considered and the problems arising from pump scattering by the spheres are discussed.

• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH03073
• OSTI ID: 6767518
• Journal Information: Physical Review E; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review E; (United States) Vol. 47:2; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426002* -- Engineering-- Lasers & Masers-- (1990-)
AMPLIFICATION
COOLING TIME
GAIN
LASERS
MICROSPHERES
OPTICAL PUMPING
PUMPING
RECOMBINATION
X-RAY LASERS