Multi keV x-ray source from femtosecond laser produced micro plasma

Summary form only given, as follows. In the experiments reported, laser-produced plasma keV x-rays have been generated by 120fs, 800nm, 0.5mJ Ti sapphire laser pulses. The experiments have concentrated not only on the characterization but also the comparison of the keV x-ray emission generated in both air and vacuum. Scaling of x-ray conversion efficiency, dependence on pulse energy, pulse duration and angle of incidence have been investigated. Size of the resultant emission spot and brightness of the source are also under study. Enhancement of the keV x-ray production through the presence of a laser prepulse shows that the interactions in the underdense plasma may also contribute to hot electron and keV x-ray generation.