Optimization of soft x-ray amplifier by tailoring plasma hydrodynamics

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Laser science
• X-ray generation

Background:

• Plasma-based seeded soft x-ray lasers offer potential for high-energy, coherent, short-pulse beams.
• High-density plasmas from intense laser-solid interactions are ideal for energy storage in plasma amplifiers.
• Current output energy from seeded solid amplifiers is limited, typically around 60 nJ.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of plasma shape on energy extraction efficiency in seeded solid amplifiers.
• To demonstrate methods for increasing the output energy of plasma-based soft x-ray lasers.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing intense laser interactions with solid targets to create high-density plasmas.
• Systematically varying the width of the plasma amplifier to optimize energy extraction.
• Measuring output energy, pulse duration, gain, and pumping efficiency.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that plasma shape tailoring is critical for efficient energy extraction.
• Achieved output energy as high as 20 microJ in sub-picosecond pulses using a 1-mm-wide plasma.
• Observed a nearly tenfold increase in gain and pumping efficiency with the optimized plasma width compared to narrower amplifiers.

Conclusions:

• Careful control of plasma geometry is essential for unlocking the full energy potential of seeded solid amplifiers.
• Wider plasma amplifiers represent a significant advancement in achieving high-energy, short-pulse soft x-ray generation.
• This work paves the way for more powerful and efficient plasma-based laser systems.