X-ray generation produced by relativistic electrons in compound “multifoil structure + crystal” targets

Abstract

Novel concepts of X-ray production by relativistic electrons in stratified targets are developed. It is shown that by transmitting an electron beam through a compound target, consisting of a periodic multifoil structure and a crystal, it is possible to obtain the intense, tunable, quasi-monochromatic X-rays, emitting at large (Bragg) angles with respect to the electron beam axis due to the diffraction on the crystal of resonance transition radiation, previously generated in the multilayered structure. The first results of experimental investigation of this effect for 900 MeV electrons, transmitting through the periodic stack of 10 Mylar foils and pyrolytic graphite crystal, are presented. The obtained results show that, by using of the combined radiator, it is possible to produce much more intense X-rays than parametric X-ray radiation, emitting by relativistic electrons due to the diffraction of virtual photons of electron eigenfield during the electron passage through the crystal.