High repetition rate laser-driven Kα X-ray source utilizing melted metal target

We report our experimental results on hard X-ray generation and stability parameters of a laser-driven plasma X-ray source using a melted gallium target irradiated by 2 mJ 100 fs laser pulse at 1 kHz repetition rate. Intense characteristic K-shell emission, including Kα and Kβ, is observed against a background of broadband bremsstrahlung. High brightness and stability from pulse to pulse of hard X-ray source allow its use as a promising tool for different applications using table-top laser systems.

► Stable hard X-ray source operating at 1 kHz utilizing melted metal target is constructed.
► Self-healing of target surface avoids the necessity of permanent target movement.
► High brightness in 5–50 keV range is obtained.
► A way to increase the efficiency of X-ray source is proposed.