X-ray lasing by optical-field-induced ionization

Abstract

A scheme for accomplishing tabletop x-ray lasing in Li-like Ne at 98 \AA{} in an optically ionized plasma during recombination in the transient regime is presented. Saturation effects and parametric heating processes by stimulated Raman scattering are analyzed and found to allow energy efficiencies in excess of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ for a 100-fsec duration, 0.25-\ensuremath{\mu}m laser driver of intensity ${10}^{17}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Significant improvement in efficiency is indicated for shorter laser pulse lengths.