CAPEX-U device - driver for discharge-based soft x-ray lasers with λ ≪ 15 nm

CAPEX-U device is a pulse-power apparatus capable to deliver a short-circuit discharge current ∼120 kA in a quarter-period ∼100 ns. Its characteristic features are direct optical access to both discharge electrodes, laser triggering of the main spark gap (for exact synchronization of detectors and applications), and larger transverse dimensions (for higher flexibility in applied voltage, and in pre-pulse application). Our first experiments with nitrogen-filled capillary (that should amplify spontaneous emission of Balmer-alpha transition of H-like N due to recombination pumping) as well as experiments with exploding wire in locally compressed water (that should amplify spontaneous emission of one line of Ni-like Ag - due to excitation pumping) are described.