SHORT-PULSE X-RAY LASER 32.6-NM BASED ON TRANSIENT GAIN IN NE-LIKE TITANIUM

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.