WE-E-330D-01: The Production of Ultrafast Bright K-Alpha X-Rays From Laser Produced Plasmas for Medical Imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To show the potential of improving image quality with a cleaner, brighter, quasi‐monochromatic X‐ray micro‐source via laser produced plasmas(LPP).Method and Materials: First generation targets consisting of ten micron thick gold formed into free‐standing pyramids have been built. PIC (Particle‐In‐Cell) simulations have been performed in order to validate this target geometry. Preliminary experiments with a Ti‐Sapphire CPA laser have been achieved with these targets. Second generation parabolic cone targets with an optimal angle for electron transport have also been built. This new nano‐fabricated target could optimize X‐ray source characteristics. Results:PIC (Particle‐In‐Cell) simulations show that conical targets optically guide laser light resulting in a higher density of hot electrons at the apex These simulations show a possible ten times augmentation in hot electron density and a three times increase in electron temperature with a conical verses flat target. This increase in collimated suprathermal electrons boosts total photon yield as well as possibly enhancing line emission verses the bremsstrahlung continuum. Preliminary experiments demonstrate a three‐fold higher X‐ray yield and a two‐fold reduction in focal spot with the pyramidal verses the flat target. Furthermore, the geometry of the conical targets not only reduces focal spot size to a few microns and pulse duration to a couple picoseconds, but allows the particles to escape the target perpendicular to the surface resulting in a particle‐free, ultra‐short X‐ray micro‐beam. Conclusion: Comparing LPP X‐ray source parameters to that of a standard X‐ray tube shows substantial improvements in focal spot size, photon flux, spectral range and emission duration. Focusing on target design can provide a cleaner, brighter, quasi‐monochromatic X‐ray source that could improve image quality in any medicaldiagnostic regime. Such advancements show promising applications in mammography and angiography. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by DOE/NNSA under University of Nevada Reno grant #DE‐FC52‐01NV14050.