Improved stability of a compact vacuum-free laser-plasma X-ray source. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martín, L.; Benlliure, J.; Cortina-Gil, D.; Peñas, J.; Ruiz, C.
• Is Part Of: High power laser science and engineering. Volume 8(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: X-rays, -- laser-plasma, -- vacuum-free environment, -- source stability; High power lasers -- Periodicals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1017/hpl.2020.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-4719

Abstract

Abstract : We report the development of a stable high-average power X-ray source generated by the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses (35 fs, 1 mJ, 1 kHz) with a solid target in air. The achieved source stability, which is essential for the applications foreseen for these laser-driven plasma accelerators, is due to the combination of precise positioning of the target on focus and the development of a fast rotating target system able to ensure the refreshment of the material at every shot while minimizing positioning errors with respect to the focal spot. This vacuum-free laser-plasma X-ray source provides an average dose rate of 1.5 Sv/h at 30 cm and a repeatability better than 93% during more than 36 min of continuous operation per target.