Plasma-based X-ray laser at 21 nm for multidisciplinary applications

We have developed so far the most energetic X-ray laser at 21 nm. The unique parameters of this half-cavity based X-ray laser such as record output energy of 10 mJ, highly symmetric beam, robustness and reproducibility, have made it possible to carry out a number of multidisciplinary scientific projects featuring novel applications of intense coherent X-ray radiation. These include X-ray laser probing of dense plasmas, measurements of transmission of focused soft X-ray radiation at intensities of up to 10¹² Wcm⁻², measurements of infrared laser ablation rates of thin foils, and ablative microstructuring of solids.