Laser-Triggered Electron Source for X-Ray Applications

We report the results of the development of an electron source, based on the emission of electrons from plasma. The plasma electron source delivers emission currents of more than 1 A, based on a laser-induced discharge plasma and grid-controlled electron emission. Circuit times of less than 1 µs and temporal modulation strongly connected to laser burst duration were measured. X-ray imaging verified high brightness and low emittance of the electron beam.