Generation of x rays for medical imaging by high-power lasers: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of x-ray imaging performed with a high-power laser system in biologic and medical studies.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
With use of subpicosecond laser pulses, x-ray generation can occur with a smaller equivalent focal spot size than with conventional x-ray sources.
Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
K
K
Herrlin
G
G
Svahn
C
C
Olsson
H
H
Pettersson
C
C
Tillman
A
A
Persson
C G
CG
Wahlström
S
S
Svanberg
D000535:Aluminum; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D007834:Lasers; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011858:Radiographic Magnification; D011859:Radiography; D013635:Tantalum; D014025:Titanium; D014965:X-Rays
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D013635:Tantalum; D000535:Aluminum; D014025:Titanium