Laser-Produced Plasmas as Short Wavelength, Incoherent Optical Sources

James F. Young

Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005-1892 USA
713-527-4721; fax: 713-524-5237; young@ece.rice.edu

Chapter in Methods of Experimental Physics: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Vol. 3, F. B. Dunning and R. G. Hulet, eds. (Academic Press, due 1997).


Abstract

Incoherent sources are useful experimental tools that have long been used throughout the optical spectrum, subject to availability. Recent technological advances have extended the available range into the vacuum ultraviolet and soft x-ray range through the use of laser-produced plasmas. This chapter will concentrate on the description of these new sources. Topics include black body radiators, target materials, focusing, short pulse length pumping, and debris problems.


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