Electromagnetic-field distribution measurements in the soft x-ray range: full characterization of a soft x-ray laser beam.
We report direct measurement of the electromagnetic-field spatial distribution in a neonlike Ar capillary discharge-driven soft x-ray laser beam. The wave front was fully characterized in a single shot using a Shack-Hartmann diffractive optics sensor. The wave front was observed to be dependent on the discharge pressure and capillary length, as a result of beam refraction variations in the capillary plasma. The results predict approximately 70% of the laser beam energy can be focused into an area 4 times the size of the diffraction-limited spot, reaching intensities of approximately 4 x 10(13) W/cm(2).
Le Pape
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Laboratoire de Spectroscopie Atomique et Ionique, Bâtiment 350, Université Paris-sud, 91405 Orsay, France.
Zeitoun
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Idir
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Dhez
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Rocca
J J
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François
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