Bremsstrahlung emission from high power laser interactions with constrained targets for industrial radiography. (25th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Armstrong, C. D.; Brenner, C. M.; Jones, C.; Rusby, D. R.; Davidson, Z. E.; Zhang, Y.; Wragg, J.; Richards, S.; Spindloe, C.; Oliveira, P.; Notley, M.; Clarke, R.; Mirfayzi, S. R.; Kar, S.; Li, Y.; Scott, T.; McKenna, P.; Neely, D.
• Is Part Of: High power laser science and engineering. Volume 7(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-04-25
• Subjects: bremsstrahlung, -- high power laser, -- nondestructive imaging, -- radiography, -- X-ray; High power lasers -- Periodicals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2019.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-4719

Abstract

Abstract : Laser–solid interactions are highly suited as a potential source of high energy X-rays for nondestructive imaging. A bright, energetic X-ray pulse can be driven from a small source, making it ideal for high resolution X-ray radiography. By limiting the lateral dimensions of the target we are able to confine the region over which X-rays are produced, enabling imaging with enhanced resolution and contrast. Using constrained targets we demonstrate experimentally a $(20\pm 3)~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ X-ray source, improving the image quality compared to unconstrained foil targets. Modelling demonstrates that a larger sheath field envelope around the perimeter of the constrained targets increases the proportion of electron current that recirculates through the target, driving a brighter source of X-rays.