
Generation of Ultrafast X-Ray Pulses 565
12.2. GENERATION OF ULTRAFAST X-RAY PULSES
12.2.1. Incoherent Bursts of X-Rays
When a powerful light pulse is focused onto a solid, a high-temperature plasma
is produced, which can emit X-rays. Stimulated by laser fusion research, the
physics of laser induced X-ray generation has been extensively investigated. The
availability of high energy (milliJoule) tabletop lasers has made laser-produced
plasmas a unique and practical source of ultrashort X-ray pulses [15–21].
A diagram of optical pulse induced X-ray production is sketched in Figure 12.8(a).
In the absorption process, which takes place in a thin surface ...