Computational method for the optimization of quasimonoenergetic laser Compton x-ray sources for imaging applications

• Published in: Applied optics. Optical technology and biomedical optics Vol. 61; no. 6; p. C143
• Main Authors: Effarah, Haytham H, Reutershan, Trevor, Lagzda, Agnese, Hwang, Yoonwoo, Hartemann, Fred V, Barty, C P J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 20-02-2022
• Subjects: Diagnostic Imaging; Lasers; Light; X-Rays
• ISSN: 2155-3165
• DOI: 10.1364/AO.444307

The development of compact quasimonoenergetic x-ray radiation sources based on laser Compton scattering (LCS) offers opportunities for novel approaches to medical imaging. However, careful experimental design is required to fully utilize the angle-correlated x-ray spectra produced by LCS sources. Direct simulations of LCS x-ray spectra are computationally expensive and difficult to employ in experimental optimization. In this manuscript, we present a computational method that fully characterizes angle-correlated LCS x-ray spectra at any end point energy within a range defined by three direct simulations. With this approach, subsequent LCS x-ray spectra can be generated with up to 200 times less computational overhead.