Design and construction of a radiation source of extreme flux

Résumé

The present thesis consists of the design and construction of an X-ray source through the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with a solid and/or liquid target. Specifically, the laser technology suitable for this purpose has been investigated, the characteristics of the laser-matter interaction have been studied and possible applications of the generated X-radiation (and accelerated electrons) have been explored. Nowadays, the development of sources of ionizing radiation through laser-matter interaction has allowed access to pulsed X-ray beams with ultra-short duration and extreme instantaneous fluxes. This implies the possibility of studying the interaction of X-rays with matter in regimes impossible to reach by conventional sources. This thesis aims, on the one hand, to develop a laser driven X-ray source of extreme flux that allows future studies on non-linear damage. And on the other hand, to explore possible improvements to this type of source that allow greater stability, make them more profitable and easier handling than currently available. In this sense, the use of a liquid jet for the production of X-rays has been analysed in order to solve the drawbacks of solid targets. This type of targets allows to maintain a profile of stable density shot to shot and consequently a reproducible X-ray production. After the development of the X-ray source, its possible applications have been studied. In particular, it has been analysed how it can be used to perform X-ray fluorescence experiments.