| Numéro |
J. Phys. Colloques
Volume 47, Numéro C6, Octobre 1986
International Colloquium on X-ray Lasers / Colloque International sur les Lasers Rayons X
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | C6-165 - C6-170 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jphyscol:1986623 | |
J. Phys. Colloques 47 (1986) C6-165-C6-170
DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1986623
A NEW X-RAY AMPLIFIER PUMPED BY THE KINETIC ENERGY OF CLUSTERS
G. W. KENTWELL1, H. HORA1, 2, J. P. SHEERIN2, W. C. STWALLEY2, 3 et J. C. WANG11 Department of Theoretical Physics, University of New South Wales, Kensington N.S.W., Australia
2 Iowa Laser Facility and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, U.S.A.
3 Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, U.S.A.
Abstract
A new type of laser amplifier with high gain (80%) and high amplification in the visible and ultraviolet range will still provide sufficient amplification for wavelengths of 100 Angstroms or less by a sequence of injections of energetic solid particles (pellets or clusters). Based on the experimental fact that electrons are laterally emitted from the focus of a laser a free electron laser amplifier was proposed based on the inversion of this experiment. That consists in converting translational electron into optical and oscillation energy of the laser beam. An energy transfer can be expected only from the transient processes of laser pulses. The generalization of this free electron laser towards the injection of solid clusters or dust particles with synchronized and calibrated high kinetic energies and other diffraction properties leads to a very highly efficient (80%) laser with high gain even in the x-ray range. The transient switching process is then extended to the conditions of high density plasma clouds produced from the injected solid particles. In combination with this switching, it is the inversion of the ejection of plasma from the beam axis at nonlinear (ponderomotive) force self-focusing. The processes of the momentum transfer are then well understood and the deformation of phase fronts in plasma can be used for controlled bending, or focusing of x-ray beams, or for correcting of other insufficient beam quality. A proof of principle experiment is discussed.