Research in X-Ray Optics with the Ultimate Aim of Constructing a Synchrotron Radiation Pumped Soft X-Ray Lithium Laser: Final Report.

摘要

One of the primary components of the proposed synchrotron radiation (SR) pumped Li X-Ray Laser which the present research (DOE Proposal No. DE-FG06-85ER-13309) undertook to develop, was a vacuum-based high density plasma of predominantly monatomic Lithium as the lasing medium. A monomer density in excess of 10(sup 19) particles/cm(sup 3) at temperatures (gt) 1600(degree)C, in volume of roughly 1cm (times) 0.001cm (times) 0.001cm was estimated as being necessary for attaining useful gain. Originally two different methods of achieving this were considered, namely: laser-driven ablation of solid Li, and steady-state thermal emission of Li gas from an orifice in a suitable chamber. Due to uncertainties associated with the first option, the resources of the present development program were focused primarily on the latter technique. 9 figs.