Theory and design of soft X-ray laser experiments at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

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Abstract
Recent progress in the design and analysis of soft X-ray laser experiments at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is reviewed. The modelling of optical laser irradiated targets used to produce X-ray lasers is discussed. Two types of atomic inversion schemes have been explored-collisional excitation in neon-like and nickel-like ions, and recombination in lithium-like and hydrogen-like ions. Results for each scheme are discussed and compared with experimental data. The authors describe work on X-ray optics, including refraction by electron density gradients in the lasing plasma, techniques for increasing spatial coherence and the use of multilayer mirrors to improve laser efficiency and coherence.