Electron distribution function in a thin plasma layer and possible x-ray laser emission due to a sharp temperature gradient

The temporal evolutions of the electron distribution function and the electric field in a dense, hot, multiply charged plasma due to the presence of a sharp temperature gradient from one side (plasma–cold matter contact) and a sharp density gradient from the other side (plasma-vacuum boundary) are studied. The prospects for x-ray lasing in such a plasma are discussed. The analogy with a p-n junction semiconductor laser is emphasized.