X-ray Source with Photon Energy 5 keV Pumped by Laser

Investigation of a monochromatic point x-ray source of photon energy ~5 keV has been carried out. The source was set up using a laser produced aluminium plasma as a cathode and a point-tip titanium anode. Optimum parameters of the diode were determined from experimental measurements of x-ray intensity dependence on laser pulse energy, applied accelerating voltage, and distance between target (cathode) and anode, using Nd:glass laser pulses (FWHM 30 ns) of 2 mJ to 4 J energy. Electron temperature characterization of the target plasma was also performed from the XUV emission spectrum (5 to 80 A). Parameters of x-ray radiation in Ti K-shells are 1) spectral brightness of ~1020 photons/cm2-sec-sr-keV, 2) spatial size ~300 microns, and 3) x-ray pulse duration less than 20 ns.