Experimental study on soft X-ray generation via Inverse Compton Scattering at CERN

This study explores the feasibility of using Compton Backscattering (CBS) as a compact source for generating photons in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) to soft X-ray range, with potential applications in biological imaging and modern lithography. A CBS experiment was conducted at the AWAKE Run 2c test injector (ARTI), where electron bunches, accelerated up to 6 MeV by a high-gradient, brazing-free S-band photogun were collided with 1030 nm infrared pulses from the PHAROS femtosecond laser. The electron and laser beamlines were optimised for maximum CBS photon flux.