System and method for generating microfocused laser-based x-rays for mammography

摘要

The present invention concerns x-ray sources for mammography. A microfocused x-ray source of small size (30 μm and smaller) with x-ray spectrum optimized for enhanced mammography is obtained with a method and system according to the invention. The proposed x-ray source is based on the use of plasmas created by the energy distribution of suprathermal electrons that are produced during the interaction of the laser beam with a solid target. These hot electrons penetrate the surface layer of cold plasma and interact with the solid core of the target. The method and system according to the present invention allows optimizing the x-ray source size, its spectral distribution, and the conversion efficiency in the 17.3-28.5 keV range (adapted to the breast thickness).