Output characteristics of soft x-ray laser pumped by capillary discharge

Output characteristics of a capillary discharge 46.9 nm Ne-like Ar soft X-ray laser pumped by a current pulse (di/dt=300-460 A/ns, Imax=15-26 kA) are reported. Using ceramics capillary with an inner diameter of 3 mm and a length of 200 mm or 350 mm, we confirmed a laser spike on the XRD signal. Moreover, using 350 mm capillary, we observed spikes on XRD signals twice in a single shot in particular condition. In classical Young's double slit experiment, using tungsten wire with a diameter of 50 μm or 100 μm, we also confirmed interference fringes of soft X-ray laser which indicate that the wavelength of the laser is about 46.9 nm. (author)