On Some Methods of X-Ray Production from Relativistic Electron Beams

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pellegrini, Claudio

Affiliations: Department of Physics, University of California at Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90024-1547

Abstract: We discuss the production of x rays from relativistic electron beams using synchrotron radiation, free electron lasers, and Compton backscattering of intense laser beams. We review the characteristics, and compare the flux and brightness, of x rays produced from these three processes. We show that free electron lasers can produce coherent x ray pulses in the keV region with a brightness much larger than that of synchrotron radiation facilities, and that in the 10-keV region Compton backscattering systems can be competitive with synchrotron radiation. We describe some of the existing or planned free electron lasers and Compton backscattering facilities.

DOI: 10.3233/XST-1994-4403

Journal: Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 275-289, 1994