LWFA-based x-ray machine to respond to strategic challenges

Abstract

We present the recent progress done at the Advanced Laser Light Source (ALLS) on the development of a Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) based X-ray machine. We will describe the pathway we follow to progress towards an industrial solution guided by the concept of Solution Readiness Level (SRL) metric. Two different approaches have been recently studied and assessed to optimize the X-ray beam in the 20keV - 50keV range. This paves the way to the development of a laser-based X-ray machine addressing, with different working points, various strategic challenges. We discuss in the present work the usefulness of the various operational approaches for some aspects of Global Food Security and for the realization of mammography with dose well below the actual clinical standard.