title: Excited-state stability and x-ray lasers.
abstract: Based on the results of recent studies of microwave ionization of Rydberg states, estimates are obtained for the stability of excited states of highly charged ions under irradiation from a powerful excimer laser. The short lifetimes and associated line broadening suggest caution in the design of x-ray lasers using selective multiphoton excitation as a pumping mechanism.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bardsley