DEMONSTRATION OF SATURATION IN A NI-LIKE AG X-RAY LASER AT 14 NM

We report the first demonstration of saturation in a Ni-like x-ray las er, specifically Ni-like Ag x-ray laser at 14 nm. Using high-resolutio n spatial imaging and angularly resolved streaking techniques, the out put source size as well as the time history, divergence, energy, and s patial profile of the output beam have been fully characterized. The o utput intensity of the Ag laser was measured to be about 70 GWcm(-2) T he narrow divergence, short pulse duration, high efficiency, and high brightness of the Ag laser make it an ideal candidate for many x-ray l aser applications.