Potential Characteristics and Applications of X-Ray Lasers,

Abstract

This is primarily a limited review lof research on X-ray lasers and of the applications which may be possible when a source is available which emits short, monochromatic and intense pulses as coherent X-rays. Some of the progress toward producing short-wavelength coherent radiation, either by direct laser action or by frequency manipulation, is summarized. Reports of X-ray laser action and spectroscopic evidence for relevant population inversions are discussed. Potential X-ray laser characteristics, which are derived from the work to date and which will determine applications, are discussed. Included is a comparison with two other bright X-ray sources, namely multi-million degree plasma and GeV electron storage rings. One section is concerned with the heating which will occur when an X-ray laser pulse strikes condensed matter. A simple calculational technique and some results are given there. Possible areas of X-ray laser usage are reviewed. The final section discusses geometries which may be favorable for production of X-ray laser action, and multi-layer reflectors which may make possible short-wavelengths resonators.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA142242

Entities

People

  • D. J. Nagel

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Coherent Radiation
  • Diffraction
  • Electromagnetic Scattering
  • Electrons
  • Free Electrons
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Mediums
  • Laser Science
  • Lasers
  • Masers
  • Repetition Rate
  • Resonators
  • Scattering
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics