Towards a Table-Top Laser Driven XUV/X-Ray Source
Abstract
Laser-driven relativistic electron beams were investigated experimentally and via 3D large-scale plasma simulations. These fast electrons mediate the transfer of energy from the laser to other absorption channels and drive many applications, including bright x-ray and Extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV or XUV) sources. The investigation was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, reduced mass targets were irradiated with intense ultra-short laser pulses. Bright monochromatic x-rays and broadband XUV emissions were achieved by optimizing the electrostatic sheath fields surrounding the target. Electron recirculation in the plasma was identified as a mechanism of emission enhancement. The study also revealed that this laser-driven source of radiation has a small source size, short duration, and high photon fluxes suitable for point projection radiography and for probing matter under extreme environments. In the second phase, laser-irradiated micro-engineered Si micro-wire arrays were investigated. An order of magnitude enhancement in the total number of electrons with energy higher than 10MeV was experimentally demonstrated. The study revealed that these advanced micro-engineered targets not only enhance the total number of electrons and their kinetic energies but also behave as an electromagnetic lens that guides and collimates the electron beam.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 27, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA622723
Entities
People
- Kramer U. Akli
Organizations
- Ohio State University