My project explores inverse Compton scattering (ICS) x-ray sources and their role within modern x-ray science by comparing them to both conventional laboratory x-ray sources and large-scale synchrotron radiation facilities. While laboratory x-ray systems are widely used due to their accessibility, they are limited in tunability and spectral quality. Synchrotron facilities, on the other hand, provide extremely high brilliance and control but require large infrastructure and offer limited access. Inverse Compton x-ray sources present a potential middle ground, producing tunable, quasi-monochromatic x-rays from compact, laboratory-scale systems.

To investigate this, I will conduct a combination of literature-based research and computational modeling. The research component involves analyzing and comparing key performance metrics, such as bandwidth, brilliance, tunability, cost, and accessibility, across laboratory x-ray sources, inverse Compton sources, and synchrotrons. In parallel, I will develop and modify a computational simulation inspired by compact Compton sources such as ThomX to model inverse Compton scattering and explore how system parameters influence x-ray output. The final product will include a written analysis synthesizing these comparisons and a simulation-based study demonstrating the physical behavior and capabilities of inverse Compton x-ray systems.