Development of small-scale soft-x-ray lasers: aspects of data interpretation

The widespread application of soft-x-ray laser technology is contingent on the development of small-scale soft-x-ray lasers that do not require large laser facilities. Progress in the development of soft-x-ray lasers that are pumped by a neodymium laser of energy 6–12 J is reported. Some aspects of data interpretation and gain measurements in such systems are discussed.