COHERENT X-RAY LASERS FOR APPLICATIONS

Many of the projected applications of x-ray lasers require high quality output radiation with properties such as short wavelength, high power, good focusability, short pulse, and a high degree of coherence. We discuss the requirements of an x-ray laser for the application of holography of biological samples. We present ideas for achieving these properties. Given that population inversions can be established to provide laser gain, we discuss how the propagation and amplification of x-rays within the lasing medium affect the quality of the output radiation. Particular attention is given towards the development of transverse coherence. Results are presented from several methods for calculating the coherence, including a modal analysis and a numerical-wave propagation code. Calculations of the expected degree of coherence of standard x-ray lasers are given, as well as designs for more coherent lasers.