A simple scaling estimate of input powers for X-ray lasers excited in capillary discharges

Summary form only given. In this work, we present the development of scaling approximations that may be used in systems analysis and which can help to guide experimental design. Example is given for the Ne-like series of ions. At the simplest level of approximations, the derived expression of Pt is found to scale with material as Pt(Z)=0.16 (Z/10)/sup 6/ GW/cm/sup 3/. In the case of neon-like argon, this leads to input powers of the order of 5.5 GW/cm/sup 3/ in rather good agreement with the excitation levels reported by Rocca et al, suggesting the utility of this form of scaling estimate in the evaluation of proposed schemes of excitation of Ne-like X-ray lasers directly excited in capillary discharges.