Investigation of lasing on the J=0-1 line of neonlike ions using the prepulse technique

We have performed a systematic investigation of lasing on the neon-like 3p - 3s J equals 0 - 1 line in low-Z elements ranging from Cl to Ge using the prepulse technique. Laser pulses from the Asterix iodine laser (lambda equals 1.315 micrometers) were applied to slab targets with a low intensity prepulse 5 ns ahead of the main pulse. Prepulse energies ranged from 0.1% to 15% of the main pulse energy. In all materials lasing on the J equals 0 - 1 line was observed. In vanadium two J equals 0 - 1 lines were found to lase with approximately equal strength. The spatial position of lasing was determined for several materials and two prepulse levels. In addition, the sensitivity of lasing with respect to the mainpulse/prepulse ratio is reported.

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