Generation of intense soft X-rays from capillary discharge plasmas

X-ray lasing through high voltage, high current discharges in gas filled capillaries has been demonstrated in several laboratories. This method gives highest number of X-ray photons per pulse. The fast varying current and the jxB magnetic force compress the plasma towards the axis forming a hot, dense, line plasma, wherein under appropriate discharge conditions lasing occurs. At Laser Plasma Division, RRCAT, a program on high voltage capillary discharge had been started. The system consists of a 400 kV Marx bank, water line capacitor, spark gap and capillary chamber. The initial results of the emission of intense short soft X-ray pulses (5–10ns) from the capillary discharge are reported.