Novel advanced X-ray source concepts based on Compton scattering and Bragg resonance channeling

Summary form only given, as follows. The main thrust of our research program is the development of novel concepts for advanced x-ray sources with applications in the field of protein crystallography and structural genomics, or proteomics. This rapidly growing field is expected to dominate molecular biology in the first half of the 21/sup st/ Century, as it offers a new paradigm for rational drug design, which is revolutionizing modem medicine. Such new sources must be compact, tunable, relatively inexpensive, and capable of delivering the average X-ray brightness required for these applications. Within this broad context, two specific devices will be discussed: first, a Compton scattering X-ray source based on the interaction of a terawatt-class laser pulse and a high-brightness, relativistic electron beam; second, a new radiation source concept using a low energy electron beam scattering photons off the periodic potential in a crystal lattice, at the Bragg resonance angle. In the case of Compton scattering, particular attention will be paid to a novel interaction geometry, which greatly alleviates timing jitter and synchronization issues.