First x-rays from a compact and tunable LINAC-based Compton scattering source

Abstract

In this paper, we present the first measurements of x-rays produced with a compact, narrowband, and tunable inverse Compton scattering-based x-ray source, developed at Eindhoven University of Technology. A flux of $1.2 \cdot 10^3$ photons per shot was measured, in agreement with simulations. Using a high-resolution spectral camera, we show that the photon energy can be tuned continuously from 5.8~keV to 10.7~keV with a bandwidth of 4\%. The measured x-ray pulse length was in the picosecond range. Additionally, we show that the source allows full control over the x-ray polarization control. By optimizing experimental parameters, implementing improvements to the setup and further conditioning of the accelerator structure, a brilliance of $10^{12}$ photons/(s $\times$ mrad$^2$ $\times$ mm${^{2}}$ $\times$ 0.1\% BW) can be achieved, with photon energies up to 40 keV. Because the complete electron beamline fits on a single optical table, it is suitable as an in-house x-ray source for university laboratories, industrial production lines, museums, and hospitals.