x-ray source from a low-density gas target*

Potential applications for laser-driven x-ray sources benefit from operation at high repetition-rate. Here, 15 mJ CPA pulses are generated at 480 Hz repetition-rate and tightly focused onto a gas target for the generation of K_α x-rays from a number of noble gases. The continuously-flowing nature of the gas jet meant that the target density was below the threshold for clustering and ensured an easier-to-implement target design. A robust experimental analysis of this debris-free x-ray source is presented including measurements of its performance while varying a number of parameters and how the source’s output could scale under different experimental conditions. Investigation of potential applications of the source and future improvements are discussed as well.