Short-wavelength laser calculations for electron pumping in carbonlike and heliumlike ions

Population densities of ground and excited terms of carbonlike and heliumlike ions in high-density plasmas were calculated by using a steady-state computer model. All important radiative and collisional transitions were included in the analysis, and the laser gain product was derived from the computed population densities and the plasma length. The results indicate significant gain products for 3p-3s ionic transitions in an amplified spontaneous emission mode, i.e., without a resonant cavity, and for a quasi-CW equilibrium model. With enhanced temperatures typical of a transient plasma heating phase, gains approaching saturation levels are predicted.