ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a relatively novel class of X-ray sources, collectively referred to as inverse Compton scattering (ICS) sources. The underlying physical process, namely the inverse of the Compton scattering process, involves the scattering of an electron off a photon beam, resulting in the creation of higher energy photons. ICS sources are based on the collision between a high brightness electron beam and a high intensity laser pulse. The chapter provides a concise discussion of the fundamental physics of ICS sources, followed by a brief overview of the “conventional” machines developed or under development worldwide. It examines a possible application in X-ray imaging which could easily take advantage of the peculiar features of all-optical ICS sources. Nonlinear effects arise when a particles trajectory gains a second harmonic longitudinal quivering driven by the pulse magnetic field. The chapter describes a few examples of such sources based on “conventional” electron acceleration technologies, that is on radiofrequency linear acceleration stages.
