Picosecond X-Ray Pulses Generated in a Diode Driven by 193-nm Picosecond Laser Pulses

A new technique for the generation of picosecond x-ray pulses is presented. Picosecond laser pulses are used to generate ultrashort electron pulses in a conventional x-ray diode in which the cathode is replaced by a photocathode. In the experiments presented, 9-ps UV pulses are employed to produce characteristic x-ray pulses with duration in range of 20-90 ps at a repetition rate of 300 Hz. This technique is inherently capable of subpicosecond x-ray pulses and synchronization of the x-ray pulses with the laser pulses or other ultrafast devices with picosecond accuracy.