Electron Energy Relaxation and Distribution Functions of OFI-Plasmas

Electron energy (temperature) is the parameter of fundamental importance for the prospects of any X-ray laser scheme. In the recombination lasers, the residual electron energy (after a driving pulse is switched off) determines the rate of three-body-recombination (rate ~ T_e ^{-9 /2}) and should be minimized. Through the value of the electron temperature the optimal conditions for gain creation in collisionally pumped OFI lasers can be tailored.