Time resolved detection of the XUV-laser activity in a fast Z-pinch plasma

Summary form only given. Measurements with time and spectral resolution were carried out on the XUV emission of an argon Z-pinch plasma potentially presenting amplification. The time evolution of several line intensities was recorded by means of a grating monochromator equipped with a microsphere plate. The time resolution was less than 0.3 ns and the spectral resolution about 0.11 nm. The discharges were performed in aluminum oxide tubes 7 mm in diameter filled with 10 Pa argon. Typical values of the maximum discharge current intensity and current rise-time were 38 kA and 35 ns, respectively.