Laser-based MeV photon sources for static and dynamic radiography*

MeV photon sources employing high-power short-pulse lasers offer advantages over conventional pulsed-power sources. An ongoing project led by Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks to develop flexible, compact x-ray sources for static tomographic radiography as well as dynamic multi-axis radiography at facilities requiring high brightness dynamic imaging. The goal is to develop x-ray sources with high brightness, small sources size, short pulse duration, and tunability in dose and spectrum. Results from recent experiments will be presented, evidencing the maturity of this technology for a variety of applications. Also shown will be how dose can be optimized through use of structured laser targets. Results of a simulation study of laser-target interaction using the VPIC kinetic plasma modeling code and the MCNP transport code will also be reviewed.