Head-On Inverse Compton Scattering X-rays with Energy beyond 10 keV from Laser-Accelerated Quasi-Monoenergetic Electron Bunches

Abstract

Inverse Compton X-rays from laser-accelerated multiple electron bunches are observed. A Ti:sapphire laser (pulse energy: 500 mJ; pulse width: 150 fs) beam is divided into two beams. The main beam is focused onto an edge of a helium gas jet to accelerate electrons to energies of 14 and 23 MeV, which inversely scattered the head-on colliding secondary laser beam into 6 and 12 keV X-rays; this agrees well with that calculated from the electron spectra obtained. This demonstrates a first on-axis inverse Compton scattering X-ray energy detection beyond 10 keV induced by laser-accelerated electrons.