Coherent Extreme Ultraviolet Generation and Surface Studies Using Ultraviolet Excimer Lasers

摘要

The goal of this research program is the development of coherent X-ray sources in the kilovolt range. An initial application of short wavelength radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet region for photoemission studies of GHz surfaces has been performed demonstrating the feasibility of this class of experiments. A basic and long-standing problem in the field of coherent sources is that associated with the generation of coherent energy in the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray regions. During the last three years, picosecond rare gas halogen (RGH) excimer laser technology, on account of the very favorable scaling relationships governing the spectral brightness of these sources, has emerged as a key factor in new techniques useful for generation of coherent radiation below 100 nm. The operation of RGH systems will be extended down into the femtosecond region, a development that will enable sources with peak powers P in the 1TW < or = 10TW range to be used in physical studies. Light sources of this kind should permit the generation of focal intensities above approx 10 to the 20th power S/cc.