Computational optimization analysis of a gas-jet target in a laser-plasma short-wave radiation source

A computational method is developed for optimizing the xenon gas jet used as the target in a laserplasma short-wave radiation source. The method is based on numerical hydrodynamic simulation of the jet flowing from the nozzle into vacuum, followed by computation of the optimization criterion describing the observed intensity of plasma glow. The application of this method permits an unambiguous and objective choice of optical experimental geometries and flow conditions; as a result, the radiation yield can be increased by several times. The calculated results are compared with available experimental data.