Prof. Suckewer is one of the top scientists in the field of x-ray lasers and plasma spectroscopy. He theoretically predicted (1980) and with his group experimentally demonstrated (fall of 1984) a soft x-ray laser at 18.2 nm in magnetically confined plasma, and its first application to x-ray microscopy in 1987. He invented a new type of x-ray microscope (US Patent, 1993) and provided (with his group) its proof-of-principle. Later, he led his group’s effort to demonstrate soft x-ray lasing in the transition to round state in hydrogen-like lithium ions (in 1996). He discovered optically forbidden spectral lines of highly ionized atoms in UV and visible regions (1978) and applied them for measurements of ion temperature and plasma rotation radial profiles in magnetically confined high temperature plasma in Princeton’s Large Torus (1978 – 1980). In 1984 he discovered that in such a plasma charge-exchange processes stimulate sufficiently strong line radiation in UV and visible spectral regions to allow their use for new type of spectroscopic diagnostics for very high plasma temperatures in magnetic fusion devices.

Impact of Work: In the fields of optics and laser he conceived two types of soft x-ray lasers and a new type of x-ray microscope which have potential for important applications in EUV lithography and biological cell structure research. In the field of high temperature plasma magnetic fusion devices his discovery of optically forbidden lines and charge-exchange stimulated lines in UV and visible range of spectrum make it possible to develop new types of diagnostics of very high temperature plasma using simple and inexpensive spectrometers.