THIN FOIL X-RAY CONVERTERS PUMPED BY SUBPICOSECOND EXCIMER LASERS

We have measured the conversion efficiency, as well as the spectral an d temporal x-ray output of H- and He-like carbon line emission, from a thin foil of polypropylene that has been irradiated with subpicosecon d KrF laser pulses. The effect of amplified spontaneous emission prepu lse on the x-ray conversion process, as well as the application of the se x-ray ''flashlamps'' toward pumping soft x-ray lasers, is discussed .