Point radiographic source characterization

Abstract
A study was undertaken to find the optimal conditions for generating x rays using a high-power frequency-doubled Nd laser pulse for x-ray backlighting application. More than 30 laser shots on the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory JANUS Research Laser system have been studied. The following specific questions are addressed: (a) X-ray yield dependence on the laser parameters: (i) temporal pulse width and (ii) focusing conditions. (b) X-ray source size versus target dimensions by using a tungsten wire with various diameters. (c) Influence of background plasma on the x-ray yield from the wire using 25-μm wires surrounded by plastic.