Optical gain in the ionic excimer Cs^2+F^− excited by soft x rays from a laser-produced plasma

Abstract

Optical gain was observed on the B → X transition of the Cs2+F− ionic excimer molecule at 185 nm. The excimer was produced by photoionization of CsF vapor with a laser-produced plasma source. An average net gain coefficient of 0.3 cm−1 was measured for 7 Torr of CsF and a 225-mJ pump laser.