Electron-beam-based Compton scattering x-ray source for probing high-energy-density physics
The physics basis for an electron-beam–based Compton scattering (ECOS) x-ray source is investigated for single-shot experiments at major high energy density facilities such as the Omega Laser Facility, National Ignition Facility, and Z pulsed power facility. A source of monoenergetic (δϵ/ϵ < 5%) 10- to 50-keV x-rays can be produced by scattering of a short-pulse optical laser by a 23- to 53-MeV electron beam and collimating the scattered photons. The number and spectrum of scattered photons is calculated as a function of electron packet charge, electron and laser pulse duration, laser intensity, and collision geometry. A source delivering greater thanmore »