Abstract
We discuss the production of x rays from relativistic electron beams using synchrotron radiation, free electron lasers, and Compton backscattering of intense laser beams. We review the characteristics, and compare the flux and brightness, of x rays produced from these three processes. We show that free electron lasers can produce coherent x ray pulses in the keV region with a brightness much larger than that of synchrotron radiation facilities, and that in the 10-keV region Compton backscattering systems can be competitive with synchrotron radiation. We describe some of the existing or planned free electron lasers and Compton backscattering facilities.
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