Pulsed High‐Current Experiments at IPP ASci CR Prague

The aim of our first high current capillary discharge was to reach amplified spontaneous emission on neon‐like argon (λ = 46.9 nm). This was finally accomplished. Our new capillary discharge experiment has larger transverse dimensions, four‐channel laser‐triggered spark gap, and free optical access to both capillary ends. At present it is electrically tested. In this apparatus the capillary can be replaced by a device with exploding wire in water locally compressed by focused cylindrical converging shock wave (for soft X‐ray lasing at shorter wavelength). This part is also at present tested.