Abstract

The coherence properties of VUV and X-ray radiation produced by different sources such as lasers, undulators, and laser-produced plasmas are compared. Both temporal and spatial coherence are considered. Comparisons are made on the basis of both peak and time-averaged values of spectral brightness and coherent power. Additional considerations include polarization control, time structure, and repetition rate. In general, lasers and laser harmonic techniques have advantages at longer wavelengths, while undulators have advantages at shorter wavelengths, all of course depending on the specific application.

© 1986 Optical Society of America