An investigation of a monochromatic point X-ray
source of photon energy ∼5 keV was carried out. The
source was set up using a laser produced Al plasma as a
cathode and a point-tip Ti anode. Optimum parameters of
the diode were determined from experimental measurements
of X-ray intensity dependence on laser pulse energy, applied
accelerating voltage, and distance between target (cathode)
and anode, using Nd:glass laser pulses (FWHM 30 ns) of
2 mJ to 4 J energy. Electron temperature characterization
of the target plasma was also performed from the XUV emission
spectrum (5–80 Å). Parameters of X radiation
in Ti K-shells are (1) spectral brightness of
∼1020 photons/cm2-sec-sr-keV,
(2) spatial size ∼300 microns, and (3) X-ray pulse
duration less than 20 ns.