Modeling of capillary Z-pinch recombination pumping of boron extreme ultraviolet laser

Computer modeling of fast capillary discharge is performed to investigate a new laser active medium created by excited hydrogenlike boron ions leading to lasing at 26.23 nm. Recombination excitation of the boron ions is expected in the undercooled pinching plasma created during the expansion phase of the pinch. Plasma dynamics is described by the magnetohydrodynamic code NPINCH and the plasma ion kinetics is evaluated according to the FLY code. Results of simulations for capillary filled with boron are reported and compared with previous results achieved for nitrogen filled capillary. In both cases, the same nonablative capillary with radius of 1.6 mm is presumed and the current pulse with 50 kA peak value and 10(12) A s(-1) current slope are taken into account. Evaluated pressure optimized gains are 1.04 and 0.11 cm(-1) are found for boron and nitrogen filled capillary, respectively. Capillary wall ablation is then also assayed.