X-ray transition radiation in a solid-state superlattice: photoabsorption, electron scattering, and radiation optimization.

Soft x rays are generated when low-energy electron beams traverse a solid-state superlattice. We investigate the influence of x-ray absorption and electron scattering losses on the maximum power radiated, the required electron energy, and the optimum total thickness of the superlattice. We show that a moderate increase in the electron-beam energy compensates for the losses due to photoabsorption and electron scattering.