A pulse-train laser driven XUV source for picosecond pump-probe experiments in the water window

We describe the development of a table top soft X-ray source based on a laser produced plasma. The plasma is produced by a Nd:YLF pulse-train laser which delivers pulse trains of up to 400 pulses each of about 25 ps duration, Number and energy of the micropulses are fully computer controlled adjustable for an optimum interaction with a rotating solid target. Spectral, spatial and temporal characteristics of the X-ray emission from Mylar and copper targets have been studied. A calibrated back-illuminated CCD camera together with a slit grating spectrograph were utilized for the measurement of the absolute soft X-ray photon fluxes. The temporal measurements were performed using a streak camera while the plasma size was measured with a zone plate. An application of the system in a X-ray absorption experiment is shown, The advantages of the system in view of possible optical pump and soft X-ray probe experiments will be discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.