Review Of Progress At The UK Central Laser Facility In Developing XUV Lasers Based On Recombining Laser Produced Plasmas

A programme of research by UK Universities and overseas collaborators at the $ERC Central Laser Facility is directed to the development of XUV lasers based on recombining laser produced plasmas. Laser amplification has been demonstrated for recombination to hydrogenic ions C VI and F IX with H α laser amplification at 182 and 81 A respectively, and for lithium like ions, namely Ae, XI with 4f-3d and 5f-3d laser amplification at 150/154 and 106/104 A respectively and Ce XV 4f-3d at 83 A. An initial study of Na-like Cu XIX has been made. Current work is looking for ways to improve the efficiency, increase the gain length and reduce the wavelength to reach the 44 A edge of the water window. The review summarises past work and outlines current work.