Observation of a Short-Wavelength Laser Pumped by Auger Decay

Abstract

We report the observation of gain in a new type of short-wavelength laser system at 108.9 nm. Soft x rays from a laser-produced plasma photoeject an inner-shell electron from xenon, and a population inversion is created by subsequent Auger decay to particular excited states. A model for this system is described, spectroscopic data are presented, and gain limitations due to parasitic amplified spontaneous emission are discussed. A maximum gain of 0.8 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-1\mathrm{}}$ over a length of 9 cm is reported.