Demonstration of transient gain x-ray lasers near 20nm for nickellike yttrium, zirconium, niobium, and molybdenum

We demonstrate strong lasing on the Ni-like 4d(1)S(0)?4p(1)P(1) transition at 18.9, 20.3, 22.0, and 24.0 nm for Mo, Nb, Zr, and Y ions, respectively, using the transient collisional excitation scheme. Approximately 5 J of laser energy in a combination of a 600-ps pulse and a 1-ps pulse from the Compact Multipulse Terawatt (COMET) tabletop laser system is used to irradiate slab targets of these materials. Small-signal gains of 17-26cm (-1) are determined on the 4d?4p transition, with overall gain-length products gL of 11-12. Lasing is observed and gain is measured on the 4f(1)P(1)?4d(1)P(1) transition, which is pumped by collisional excitation combined with self-photopumping, for what is to our knowledge the first time.     

Observation of laser satellites in a plasma produced by a femtosecond laser pulse

Laser satellites are detected in the emission spectra of magnesium and aluminum plasmas produced by femtosecond laser pulses. This is made possible by the realization of picosecond time resolution in a high-luminosity x-ray spectrograph with a spherically curved mica crystal. The temporal characteristics of these newly recorded spectral lines show unequivocally that they are formed as a result of nonlinear processes. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 66, No. 7, 454–459 (10 October 1997)     

Liquidus diagram for the sodium orthophosphate-lead orthophosphate system

The Na₃PO₄Pb₃(PO₄)₂ system was studied by thermal analysis, high-temperature microscopy, and X-ray diffraction powder methods. The compound NaPbPO₄ melts congruently at 1117°C. An unidentified phase occurs in the vicinity of 10 mole% Pb₃(PO₄)₂. The system has eutectics at 44.5 and 96 mole% Pb₃(PO₄)₂, melting at 1074 and 1004°C, respectively. The respective melting points of Na₃PO₄ and Pb₃(PO₄)₂ are 1512 and 1015°C.     

X-ray spectra of multiply-charged hollow ions in the emission from a femtosecond laser plasma

A new type of quasicontinuous emission spectrum from a femtosecond laser plasma near the Ly_α line of H-like ions is obtained and interpreted. It is shown that these spectra are emitted by multiply charged hollow ions, which are present in the plasma on account of its ultrahigh density, which, in turn, is due to the use of high-contrast laser pulses for producing the plasma. A new spectroscopic approach based on analysis of the composition of spectral complexes of hollow ions is discussed. Pis’ma Zh. éksp. Teor. Fiz. 67, No. 7, 467–472 (10 April 1998)