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 preferred over other light sources particularly in the XUV and x-ray spectral region. Laser based sources have exceptional capability for short pulse and high brightness and with improvements in high repetition rate pulsed operation, 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. Relative comparisons are given within charts of peak brightness.