A set-up of the CO2 “SKATE” and its output characteristics are described. The system is based on a self-sustained gas discharge module with x-ray preionization that ensures reliability and stable repetition rate operation at 1 Hz for a long time. Measurement of the initial electron density in the discharge volume produced by an x-ray gun is presented for different gases and their mixtures, which is of independent interest for some applications of x-ray preionization. Data on measurements of the low-intensity signal gain and laser parameters for a free-running generator configuration are presented as well as long-term operation characteristics. This laser system has been used as a CO2 generator with gigawatt peak intensity and high spatial–temporal characteristics. In particular, the laser can be used as a driver for a source of multicharged ions in contrast to the laboratory prototypes previously investigated.
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