Bright x-ray beams from laser-driven microplasmas

该项目旨在开发实验室使用的新一代明亮的、类似激光的X射线源。X射线源支撑着材料科学中的关键诊断技术，推动了从结构工程到矿石加工和能量储存的应用。然而，目前实验室X射线源的有限亮度限制了这些诊断技术的用途和范围。这项研究打算使用强激光来产生微观等离子体，并驱动高次谐波的产生。高次谐波产生过程已经被用于产生类似激光的紫外光。通过优化等离子体介质的特性，该项目旨在将明亮的高次谐波产生扩展到x射线区域。

This project aims to develop a new generation of bright, laser-like x-ray sources for laboratory use. X-ray sources underpin key diagnostic techniques in materials science, advancing applications from structural engineering through to ore processing and energy storage. However, the limited brightness of present-day laboratory x-ray sources restricts the utility and range of these diagnostic techniques. This research intends to use intense lasers to create microscopic plasmas and drive high harmonic generation. The high harmonic generation process is already used to create laser-like ultraviolet light. By optimising the characteristics of the plasma medium, the project aims to extend bright high harmonic generation to the x-ray regime.