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.