Towards Megajoule X-ray Lasers via Relativistic 4-Photon Cascade in Plasma

TL;DR

This paper proposes a highly efficient mechanism for converting megajoule-scale laser energies into shorter ultraviolet and x-ray wavelengths using relativistic 4-photon cascade in plasma, potentially enabling next-generation megajoule x-ray lasers.

Contribution

It introduces a novel spectral transfer mechanism at high laser intensities, advancing the development of megajoule x-ray lasers beyond current capabilities.

Findings

Identifies a new efficient spectral transfer process

Enables potential megajoule x-ray laser development

Operates at high laser intensities and powers

Abstract

An extraordinarily efficient mechanism, operating at high laser intensities and powers, is identified for spectral transferring huge laser energies to shorter ultraviolet and x-ray wavelengths. With megajoule laser energies currently available at near-optical wavelengths, this transfer would enable megajoule x-ray lasers, a huge advance over the millijoules x-ray pulses produced now.