Electromagnetic-field distribution measurements in the soft s-ray range: full characterization of a soft x-ray laser beam
Date
2002
Authors
François, M., author
Rocca, Jorge J., author
Dhez, P., author
Idir, M., author
Aeitoun, Ph., author
Le Pape, S., author
American Physical Society, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
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 ~70% of the laser beam energy can be focused into an area 4 times the size of the diffraction-limited spot, reaching intensities of ~4 × 1013 W/cm2.