Abstract

Experiments that examine the interaction of high-intensity subpicosecond laser radiation (∼10¹⁸ W/cm²) with solid targets are performed. Soft-x-ray spectra from interactions with Teflon and aluminum targets that imply the creation of high-temperature (>200 eV) high-density (>10²³ cm⁻³) plasmas are obtained. Effects of a prepulse on the plasma characteristics are examined. The applicability of short, intense laser pulses for the formation of population inversions on x-ray transitions during recombination of high-density plasmas is discussed.

© 1996 Optical Society of America

Picosecond soft-x-ray source from subpicosecond laser-produced plasmas

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