Amplification of ultraviolet radiation in a laser plasma

An investigation is made of the possibility of using a laser plasma as an active medium in vacuum ultraviolet lasers. A theoretical model allows for the absorption of external radiation, heat transfer, cylindrical expansion of matter, electron–ion relaxation, and for detailed kinetics of the excitation, ionization, and recombination of ions. The optimal conditions for lasing in a medium consisting of Ne-like ions are found.