High-resolution imaging of a soft-X-ray laser beam by color centers excitation in lithium fluoride crystals

Abstract

Stable color center production in lithium fluoride crystals has been applied to single-shot high-spatial-resolution imaging of a 2 ns long, 46.9 nm capillary discharge soft-X-ray laser pulse. Images of the unfocused beam and of the beam focused by a multi-layer mirror were recorded. The LiF crystal sensitivity was sufficient to impress high-contrast photo-luminescent patterns with single-pulse irradiation on an area up to 40 mm2. Interference fringes due to the soft-X-ray laser coherence were observed. The results demonstrate the potential of LiF crystals and films as a sub-micrometer resolution two-dimensional imaging tool for single-shot soft-X-ray laser applications.