Abstract

Recent developments of soft x-ray lasers (XRLs) sets a stage for the research on x-ray nonlinear optics. We theoretically demonstrate the feasibility of several x-ray resonant nonlinear effects (XRNEs) in the interaction of the radiation of XRLs with plasma. Among nonlinear x-ray effects considered by us in the other papers presented at this Annual Meeting are: (i) non-linear refractive index and related effects such as, e.g., self-focusing which can be expected for XRL radiation propagating in the XRL itself or in some low-ionized discharge plasmas; (ii) a VUV lasing in certain ions resonantly pumped by an available XRL; and (iii) near-resonant x-ray third-harmonic generation in a number of discharge plasmas. Some other XRNEs in plasmas as well as in metallic vapors are conceivable, in particular 2π pulses and self-transparency, as well as stimulated Raman scattering. The new area of nonlinear optics has great potential given the increasing availability of XRLs and new discharge plasma techniques.

© 1991 Optical Society of America