TARANIS: A Pump Source for X-Ray Lasers

A new laser system has recently been installed within the Centre for Plasma Physics (CCP) at the Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and is known as TARANIS (Terawatt Apparatus for Relativistic and Non-linear Interdisciplinary Science). It will support a wide-ranging science programme, including X-ray laser studies. The laser is a CPA Nd:Glass system capable of delivering 20J in 600 fs in each of two beams. Alternatively, either beam can generate 30J in 1 ns in uncompressed mode allowing the synchronous production of ps-ps, ps-ns or ns-ns pulse combinations for various X-ray laser pump scenarios. Although the system is limited to 10 min shot cycles it offers scope for the systematic study of XRL schemes not always feasible at national laser facilities. Here, we present a brief report detailing the laser's parameters and its capabilities in relation to X-ray lasers. Also outlined is our plan for experimental X-ray laser work in QUB and some results from preliminary shots taken in preparation for a full X-ray laser experiment.