Femtosecond X-ray generation through relativistic electron beam-laser interaction

Methods for generating ultra-short X-rays using the interaction of intense laser pulses with relativistic electron beams, and their application to mea suring ultra-fast phenomena in solid stare materials, are reviewed. Two dif ferent methods that use a long electron bunch and short laser pulse are dis cussed: Thomson scattering and optical slicing which have been implemented on linac and storage ring beams, respectively. The possibility of generatin g ultrashort electrons bunches from laser-plasma injectors is discussed. (C ) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier S AS.