High magnification imaging with a laser-based hard X-ray source

The usefulness of laser-based X-ray sources for imaging is assessed. A very bright point source of 20-keV X-rays, with a diameter of 10 /spl mu/m, has been created by the interaction of a high contrast femtosecond laser pulse with solid targets. This X-ray source has been used for a feasibility study of high magnification imaging. Images of mammography phantoms have been obtained and spatial resolution of 35 /spl mu/m has been demonstrated with object magnification up to ten. A new laser technology recently introduced allows the construction of very intense, compact and cost effective short pulse laser systems and makes now the ultrafast laser based hard X-ray sources very attractive for medical application.