High-intensity laser-sustained plasma broadband light source

摘要

The high-intensity laser-continuous broadband light source includes a gas containment structure and a pump laser configured to generate a pump beam that includes illumination at a wavelength that is at least close to the weak absorption line of the neutral gas contained in the gas containment structure. The broadband light source includes one or more anamorphic illumination optics configured to focus the pump beam onto a substantially elliptical beam waist disposed at or near the center of the gas containment structure. The broadband light source comprises at least one first focusing means configured to collect broadband radiation emitted by the plasma in a direction substantially aligned with the longer axis of the elliptical beam waist.