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Generation of x rays for medical imaging by high-power lasers: preliminary results
Purpose:
To evaluate the use of x-ray imaging performed with a high-power laser system in biologic and medical studies.
Materials And Methods:
A compact terawatt laser system based on chirped pulse amplification in titanium-doped sapphire was used. X rays were generated by irradiating a high-atomic-number target (tantalum).
Results:
When photons with an energy below 10 keV were removed with use of 3 mm of aluminum, the half-value layer in aluminum for the remaining x rays was approximately 10 mm. The x-ray source allowed performance of biologic magnification radiography. Star-pattern tests indicated an equivalent focal spot size of less than 60 microns. Exposures of a single pulse could be obtained. The duration of a single x-ray pulse was estimated to be of the order of picoseconds.
Conclusion:
With use of subpicosecond laser pulses, x-ray generation can occur with a smaller equivalent focal spot size than with conventional x-ray sources.