Fast Gated Detectors for Ballistic Imaging with Hard X-Rays

摘要

Intense laser (>10{sup 21} W/cm{sup 2}) driven hard x-ray sources offer a new alternative to conventional electron accelerator Bremstrahlung sources. These laser driven sources offer considerable simplicity in design for multiple axis views and have the potential for very high spatial (<0.1 mm) and temporal resolution (<10 psec). The temporal resolution can be converted into increased image contrast by gating out the scattered background radiation and detecting only the ballistic photons transmitted by the object of interest. Currently available hard x-ray (>0.1 MeV) imaging systems are limited to a time resolution greater than {approx}60 nsec. Here, we propose the investigation of new types of imaging x-ray detectors which offer the potential for gate times less than 100 psec at photons energies in the 0.1-8 MeV range. Such detectors would find use in a variety of advanced radiographic applications in DOE'S stockpile Stewardship Program.