Relativistic electron-beam interaction and Kα generation in solid targets

When fs laser pulses interact with solid surfaces at intensities I(lambda) 2 > 1018 W/cm2 micrometers 2, collimated relativistic electron beams are generated. These electrons can be used for producing intense X-radiation (bremsstrahlung or K(alpha )) for pumping an innershell X-ray laser. The basic concept of such a laser involves the propagation of the electron beam in a material which converts electron energy into appropriate pump photons.