X-ray lasing - Future directions

The LLNL program for refining the technology of their current X-ray lasing scheme towards the primary goal of demonstrating amplification at the shortest feasible wavelength is outlined. A better understanding of the physics of the system is sought through the quantitative characterization of ionization balance and inversion kinetics in the exploding-foil X-ray laser targets. A major focus is on optimizing the gain and efficiency of present targets, and on saturating output at about 10 MW per emission line. The investigation of new techniques for producing population inversions includes the development of a multipass X-ray laser cavity. Finally, a variety of applications for the soft-X-ray laser are discussed including measurements of the coherence and divergence of the laser beam, the generation of holographic images, and X-ray microscopy.