Laser plasma as a source of soft x rays

The results are reported of an investigation of soft x rays emitted from a laser plasma. The aim was to study the physics of the phenomenon and to develop a source of soft x rays for practical applications. Some parameters of the laser plasma were determined, including the efficiency of conversion of the laser energy into soft x rays, spectral and spatial distributions of the radiation emitted by the laser plasma, and size of the region emitting this radiation. It was found that, within a certain range, it was possible to control the size of the radiating part of the laser plasma. A comparison was made of the resolution of x-ray photographic films in the wavelength range corresponding to soft x rays and in the visible range. A neodymium glass laser was used. Soft x rays were recorded by means of films sensitive to x rays. Potential applications of the laser plasma as a pulse source of soft x rays are considered and some requirements to be satisfied by such a source are formulated.