EXAFS SPECTROSCOPY BY CONTINUUM SOFT X-RAY EMISSION FROM A SHORT PULSE LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA.

Abstract

The use of a laser-produced plasma created by low energy (E APP 1STH 6 J), ps duration laser pulses as the X-ray source for EXAFS spectroscopy in the 3-8 A wavelength band is investigated. We consider the various factors that affect the X-ray flux at the detector plane and investigate ways of optimizing that flux. A simple qualitative model has been used to describe the way in which the source intensity scales with parameters such as the laser intensity. Practical problems associated with the implementation of the various different X-ray dispersive elements and detectors are discussed.