Potential hazards and mitigation of X-ray radiation generated by laser-induced plasma from research-grade laser systems

Abstract

A large range of laser-matter applications employ ultrashort pulses and high laser intensity. Such processes can lead to unrequired X-ray generation, which represents a hazardous radiation factor even for common laboratory research-grade laser systems. We present here an analysis of the radiation dose rate and X-ray spectrum emitted during ablation of a rotating copper cylinder with respect to several laser parameters. The results show that focused sub-picosecond pulses with intensity above 1013 W/cm2 can exceed the annual irradiation limit even in one hour, requiring appropriate shielding for the safety of the researchers.