Publisher's Synopsis
X-rays and gamma rays are able to penetrate dense matter, offering the possibility to explore characteristics that otherwise would be not observable. They have a wide range of applications in research across different fields, such as medical research in high-resolution imaging and the radiation therapy of cancers, determining atmospheric conditions in environmental science, and understanding energy-exchange processes for cleaner energy technologies. Aimed at those entering the field for the first time, this second volume focuses on Compton Backscattering that produces intense gamma rays of higher energy than typical scattering processes. Theoretical problems between the high energy electrons and laser interactions are discussed, along with the possibility of exploring new effects in strong field QED and how they can be observed. CBS 'factories' and their design characteristics are analysed and later chapters take a more detailed examination of CBS applications and the future of the field.
Key Features:
- Self-contained overview of pulsed gamma ray sources based on compact lasers
- Detailed presentation of theory and applications targeted at newcomers to the field
- Focused overview on Compton Backscattering
- Detailed analysis of applications and outlook
- Can be used as a study manual for courses, or a reference text for researchers
