Abstract

We propose a new geometry for collecting and focusing soft x-ray radiation from a laser-produced plasma which offers collection efficiencies greater than 20% and aspect ratios of more than 50. This combination typically results in (power density) x (length) improvements of 30 relative to present transverse multiple-spot geometries. Longitudinal pumping also significantly reduces laser excitation problems associated with amplified spontaneous emission and high atomic number densities. Removal of the laser plasma target from the active medium simplifies cell design, permits spectral filtering of the pumping radiation, and may lead to improved conversion efficiency.

© 1986 Optical Society of America