Scaling of collisionally pumped 3s-3p lasers in the neon isoelectronic sequence

Atomic-number scaling in the 3p-3s population-inversion and plasma parameters of neonlike ions of Si, Ar, Ti, Fe, Ge, and Kr is investigated theoretically. The population levels are calculated; the Z-scaling relationships are defined; the results are presented in tables and graphs; and the implications for the laser gain are explored. Laser gain in excess of 1/cm are predicted for all ions except Si V, with a peak of 30/cm for Fe XVII at electron density 10 to the 21st/cu cm.