Source of short pulses of high-energy photons and method of generating a short pulse of high-energy photons

摘要

A source of short pulses of high-energy photons and a method for generating short pulses of high-energy photons are described. A laser system produces laser pulses with a pulse length shorter than 200 fs (femtoseconds) and is capable to be focused to peak intensities greater than 10^18 W/cm^2 (watts per centimeter squared). A first target is capable of releasing a high-energy electron pulse upon irradiation with at least one of said laser pulses. A second target is capable of releasing a short pulse of high-energy photons when being hit by said high-energy electron pulse. The thickness of the second target is smaller than or equal to a saturation length of beam hardening of said high-energy photons in the second target.