Simulation of the generation of the characteristic X-ray emission by hot electrons in a foil

We have developed a model to calculate the yield of the characteristic X-ray radiation from a foil, taking into account the dependence of the average energy and the number of hot electrons on the intensity of the laser pulse, the self-absorption of X-rays and the effect of refluxing of hot electrons. The yield of K_α radiation from a silver foil is optimised at relativistic intensities. A method is proposed for diagnosing the effect of electron refluxing, which greatly increases the yield of K_α radiation.