[en] One of the primary components of the proposed synchrotron radiation (SR) pumped Li X-Ray Laser which the present research (DOE Proposal No. DE-FG06-85ER-13309) undertook to develop, was a vacuum-based high density plasma of predominantly monatomic Lithium as the lasing medium. A monomer density in excess of 10¹⁹ particles/cm³ at temperatures > 1600 degree C, in volume of roughly 1cm x 0.001cm x 0.001cm was estimated as being necessary for attaining useful gain. Originally two different methods of achieving this were considered, namely: laser-driven ablation of solid Li, and steady-state thermal emission of Li gas from an orifice in a suitable chamber. Due to uncertainties associated with the first option, the resources of the present development program were focused primarily on the latter technique. 9 figs