Development of X-ray laser media: Measurement of gain and development of cavity resonators for wavelengths near 130 Angstroms

A new experimental facility was used to explore a range of conditions under which inverted populations on soft X-ray transitions could be produced in laser heated plasmas. Direct measurements with grating spectrographs were performed in the vicinity of 130 A to develop the diagnostic techniques for gain determination. Designs for reflectors suitable for use in cavity resonators at soft X-ray wavelengths were developed. Construction of apparatus to produce such reflectors was begun. A patent on the reflector design was applied for.