Optimization of the non-normal incidence, transient pumped plasma X-ray laser for laser spectroscopy and plasma diagnostics at the facility for antiproton and ion research (FAIR)

Intense and stable laser operation with Ni-like Zr and Ag was demonstrated at pump energies between 2 J and 5 J energy from the PHELIX pre-amplifier section. A novel single mirror focusing scheme for the TCE x-ray laser ~XRL! has been successfully implemented by the LIXAM0MBI0GSI collaboration under different pump geometries. This shows potential for an extension to shorter XRL wavelength. Generation of high quality XRL beams for XRL spectroscopy of highly charged ions is an important issue within the scientific program of PHELIX. Long range perspective is the study of nuclear properties of radioactive isotopes within the FAIR project.