ABSTRACT
We review investigations aimed at the characterization and improvement of X-ray lasers in order to make them suitable for applications. In the first part of the papei experiments on X-ray lasers pumped by the ASTERIX high-power iodine laser art reported, including a systematic study of directional characteristics and pulse durations foi a number of low-Z neon-like ions as well as experiments to reduce the required drivei energy. The second part reports first results of our efforts to use the prepulse technique foi demonstrating a Titanium-sapphire pumped XUV laser.
