Fast electron generation for X-ray production in ultrashort laser interactions with solids

This article reports on the study of fast electron generation leading to X-ray emission from femtosecond laser interaction with solids presently in progress at the Intense Laser Irradiation Laboratory. The femtosecond laser source and custom developed diagnostics for the characterization of the fast electrons as well as of the X-ray emission is first introduced. Experimental results obtained from the irradiation of Titanium foils are presented. The dependence of the X-ray emission yield on the polarization of the laser light is also showed. Data from the electron diagnostics are then discussed, which shows the presence of energetic electrons accelerated in the forward direction normally to the target surface. Finally, these data are briefly compared with first results from hydrodynamic and PIC simulations. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.