Generation of coherent keV x-rays with intense femtosecond laser pulses

Abstract

The realization of a compact laboratory x-ray source delivering spatially and temporally coherent ultrashort pulses is of great interest for time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy. Here, we describe the design and the parameters of a short wavelength source based on high-harmonic generation (HHG) delivering radiation up to 1.3 keV. The extension of the cutoff is attributed to intense few-cycle driving laser pulses delivered via a tabletop near-infrared laser system. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.