Resonantly photo-pumped Li-like x-ray lasers

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Laser Science

Background:

• Achieving X-ray lasing is crucial for various scientific applications.
• Lithium-like (Li-like) ions are promising candidates for X-ray lasers.
• Current methods for X-ray lasing have limitations in efficiency and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel candidates for X-ray lasing in Li-like ions.
• To explore resonant photopumping schemes using Ly-alpha or He-alpha radiation.
• To investigate the potential for combining photopumping with recombination for enhanced lasing.

Main Methods:

• Calculated electron transitions (n=2 to n=4 and n=5) in Li-like ions.
• Identified resonant transitions suitable for photopumping with Ly-alpha or He-alpha radiation.
• Modeled the "baron-pumped Na" scheme as a promising candidate.

Main Results:

• Identified multiple potential candidates for X-ray lasing in Li-like ions.
• The "baron-pumped Na" scheme emerged as a highly promising candidate.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of using modest energy pulsed power machines or optical lasers.

Conclusions:

• Resonant photopumping with Ly-alpha or He-alpha radiation is a viable strategy for X-ray lasing in Li-like ions.
• The "baron-pumped Na" scheme offers a practical pathway to achieving X-ray lasing.
• Combining resonant photopumping with recombination can lead to improved Li-like ion lasers.