An evaluation of high energy bremsstrahlung background in point-projection x-ray radiography experiments

Backlit pinhole x-ray radiography has provided high-resolution images in many recent high-energy-density laser experiments. Its aim is to image the object of interest with a roughly monochromatic K alpha source. However, despite the high intrinsic brightness achieved by the technique, data on x-ray film have shown a signal to background ratio near one, with data on image plates producing a higher background. This has been attributed, without direct evidence, to the interaction of suprathermal electrons with the (high Z) pinhole substrate. We present here the first direct measurement of the hard x-rays produced by such a backlighter target and a test of an approach to reducing the background. Specifically, a thick, low-Z layer was added on the side of the substrate toward the detector, intended to stop the energetic electrons and produce smaller emissions. Results from the Omega-60 laser experiment showed that the oft-seen background signal is in the range of 60-80 keV, a plausible energy range for energetic electrons produced in the laser-irradiated plasma. It also showed a comparable level of background signal in both types of targets. The work presented here includes target design and motivating theory, as well as the unexpected findings about x-ray background production. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4738649]