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Simulations of collisional effects in an inner-shell solid-density Mg X-ray laser
Shenyuan Ren1, Sam Vinko1, Justin S Wark1
1Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK.
Summary
Collisional effects in solid-density magnesium (Mg) limit inner-shell X-ray laser gain duration to sub-femtosecond. Simulations reveal line broadening and state population shifts preclude lasing in most transitions.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Laser Science
Background:
- Inner-shell X-ray lasers are generated using free-electron lasers (FELs) on various targets.
- Lasing in gaseous targets depends on rapid core-hole creation before Auger decay.
- Collisional effects in solid/liquid targets are crucial for gain but poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of collisional effects on inner-shell X-ray lasing in solid-density magnesium.
- To self-consistently model FEL radiation and atomic kinetics, including collisional processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the CCFLY code for simulations.
- Self-consistently treated incoming FEL radiation and magnesium atomic kinetics.
- Included radiative, Auger, and collisional effects in the model.
Main Results:
- Collisional population of lower lasing states and line broadening were identified.
- These effects prevent lasing on most transitions in the initially cold system.
- The gain duration in solid-density Mg was found to be sub-femtosecond, even with instantaneous pumping.
Conclusions:
- Collisional dynamics significantly impact and limit inner-shell X-ray lasing in solid targets.
- Understanding these effects is critical for optimizing X-ray laser performance in dense matter.
