Target optimisation for the yield of X-rays of desired hardness under femtosecond pulse irradiation

Different regimes of electron acceleration from solid foils and low-density targets are investigated using three-dimensional numerical simulations. The size of the plasma corona is shown to be the main parameter characterising the temperature and number of hot electrons, which determine the yield of X-ray radiation and its hardness. Also studied is the generation of X-ray radiation by laseraccelerated electrons, which bombard the converter target located behind the laser target.