A novel two-step excitation scheme for an efficient table-top x-ray la
ser has been realized for the first time. A nanosecond pulse creates a
plasma of neonlike ions of titanium, followed by a subpicosecond puls
e which excites a nonstationary population inversion. With only a few
joules of pump energy, a compact x-ray laser at 32.6 nm with a very hi
gh gain coefficient of g = 19 cm(-1) and a gain-length product of gL =
9.5 was achieved.