ABSTRACT
We propose the amplification of short pulse x-rays by seeding a capillary discharge amplifier with harmonic radiation. We describe the development of a compact capillary discharge soft x-ray amplifier based on the Ne-like Ar system at 46.9 nm. This paper discusses the unique characteristics of low-jitter triggering and access to the gain region that are necessary for such an amplifier.
Presently we are capable of producing ±1-2 ns jitter by laser-triggering the main spark gap switch for the capillary. The system is pulsed charged to approximately 300 kV and produces a 38 kA peak current with a 40 ns first half cycle (FWHM) pulse duration. Results of these triggering experiments are described along with characteristics of an “open geometry” capillary discharge.
