STUDY OF NE-LIKE AND NI-LIKE X-RAY LASERS USING THE PREPULSE TECHNIQUE

Recent studies of lasing in Ne- and Ni-like ions on the Asterix IV iod ine laser [H. Baumhacker et al. Appl. Phys. B 61, 325 (1995)] using th e prepulse technique are reviewed. Experimental evidence shows that be am refraction is the main factor for the lack of lasing in low-Z eleme nts, as well as the J=0-1 vs J=2-1 anomaly in Ne-like ion lasers when there is no prepulse. It is shown that the role of the prepulse in enh ancing the J=0-1 lasing line in Ne-like ion is to produce a larger and more homogeneous plasma. The measurement of lasing on the J=0-1, 3p-3 s transition in Ne-like Mn, V, Sc, Ca, K, Cl, S, and Si using the prep ulse technique is reviewed. Wavelengths of these lasers range from 22 to 87 nm with gain lengths between 7 and 12. The drive energy for S wa s scaled down to 20 J. The experiment demonstrating the 12 nm lasing o n the J=0-1, 4d-4p transition in Ni-like Sn is also reviewed. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.