Status of soft X-ray laser research at the Rutherford-Appleton laboratory

Abstract

This review describes experimental results demonstrating amplification of XUV radiation at discreet wavelengths between 8.1 nm and 18.2 nm. The amplifying medium is generated by recombination in expanding, laser-heated thin fibre targets. Gain coefficients between 1-5 cm-1 have been observed in transitions in hydrogenic (CVI and FIX) and Li-like (AlXI) ions. The work has been carried out using the VULCAN laser of the SERC Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory and is the product of national and international collaborations.