1876-5343/09 2009 Bentham Open Open Access Generation of Double Pulses in the Extreme Ultraviolet Spectral Range Using a Laser Combined Pinch Plasma Source

Abstract: The interaction of a dense plasma with short laser pulses (ns) is investigated. The dense plasma is created using a low-current hollow-cathode-triggered discharge. This configuration generates a dense plasma with an electron density of ne 1017 cm3. Spectra are taken in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectral range from11-18 nm to estimate the temperature. The interaction between plasma and laser beam as a longitudinally pumped light source is discussed. The required properties of the plasma, according to the radial profiles of the temperature and the density, are exemplified. It is shown, that the generation of double pulses in the extrem ultraviolet spectral range is possible by reheating the residuals of an expanding dense plasma with a short laser pulse