Optimal x-ray source development in the spectral range 4–14 Å using a Nd:YAG high power laser

An experimental study was performed to find the optimal conditions for generating a few nanoseconds x-ray pulse source in the wavelength range 4–14 Å. X rays were emitted in a high-temperature plasma, which was created as the result of the interaction of a high power laser with a solid target. The experiments were done using 3–15 J, 1–10 ns, 1.06 μm pulses generated with a Nd:YAG laser. The x-ray yield and spectral distributions were studied as a function of the laser energy, temporal pulse width, pulse shape, and target material. For example, for samarium under optimal conditions, about 20% of the laser energy was converted into x rays in the wavelength range 8–12 Å.