A review of laser and synchrotron based X-ray sources

The rapid development of laser technology and related progress in research using lasers is shifting the boundaries where laser based sources are prefe rred over other light sources particularly in the XUV and x-ray spectral re gion. Laser based sources have exceptional capability for short pulse and h igh brightness and with improvements in high repetition rate pulsed operati on, such sources are also becoming more interesting for their average power capability. This study presents an evaluation of the current capabilities and near term future potential of laser based light sources and summarises, for the purpose of comparison, the characteristics and near term prospects of sources based on synchrotron radiation and free electron lasers. Relati ve comparisons are given within charts of peak brightness.