Producing X-rays

Details Producing X-rays Producing X-rays

1972-12-29

1977-11-15

Moskowitz, Nelson

Radiant energy

Radiant energy generation and sources

G21G 400

Patent

active

040584860

ABSTRACT:
A method of producing X-rays by directing radiant energy from a laser onto a target. Conversion efficiency of at least about 3 percent is obtained by providing the radiant energy in a low-power precursor pulse of approximately uniform effective intensity focused onto the surface of the target for about 1 to 30 nanoseconds so as to generate an expanding unconfined coronal plasma having less than normal solid density throughout and comprising a low-density (underdense) region wherein the plasma frequency is less than the laser radiation frequency and a higher-density (overdense) region wherein the plasma frequency is greater than the laser radiation frequency and, about 1 to 30 nanoseconds after the precursor pulse strikes the target, a higher-power main pulse focused onto the plasma for about 10.sup.-3 to 30 nanoseconds and having such power density and total energy that the radiant energy is absorbed in the underdense region and conducted into the overdense region to heat it and thus to produce X-rays therefrom with the plasma remaining substantially below normal solid density and thus facilitating the substantial emission of X-rays in the form of spectral lines arising from nonequilibrium ionization states.
The X-rays may be produced essentially as from a point source (i.e., they are spatially coherent) and thus are suitable for many applications that would otherwise require an X-ray laser. In some embodiments phase coherence is achieved, thus providing a true X-ray laser.
In a similar method, providing a controlled nuclear fusion reaction, the target comprises alternate layers of high-Z and lower-Z material.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3498645 (1970-01-01), Daiber et al.
patent: 3723246 (1973-03-01), Lubin
patent: 3746860 (1973-07-01), Smatas et al.
Mead et al., "Preliminary Measurements of X-ray . . . from Laser-Produced, Plasmas"; 2/72, pp. 345-352, Applied Optics, vol. 11, # 2.
Dhez et al. "Same Characteristics . . . on an Aluminum Target," 5/69, pp. 2545-2548, Jour. Appl. Physics, vol. 40, # 6.

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