Pulsed X-ray imaging of high-density objects using a ten picosecond high-intensity laser driver

摘要

Point-like sources of X-rays that are pulsed (sub nanosecond), high energy (up to several MeV) and bright are very promising for industrial and security applications where imaging through large and dense objects is required. Highly penetrating X-rays can be produced by electrons that have been accelerated by a high intensity laser pulse incident onto a thin solid target. We have used a pulse length of ～10ps to accelerate electrons to create a bright x-ray source. The bremsstrahlung temperature was measured for a laser intensity from 8.5-12 × 10~(18) W/cm~2. These x-rays have sequentially been used to image high density materials using image plate and a pixelated scintillator system.