SBIR-STTR Award

Present X-Ray generators are available up to 420 kV constant potential. Above this energy linear accelerators are available from 2 MeV upwards. This proposal would investigate building a 1 MeV constant potential X-Ray generator. The generator would be single ended with possible interchangeable anodes and a choice of dispenser or microfocus cathodes. The high voltage supply would be stable and accurately measured, it would be variable over a wide range. An X-Ray generator of this energy and precision with a variable energy would be very useful for industrial CT scanners. It would also fill a gap in the currently available sources.

Keywords:
HIGH ENERGY X-RAY SOURCE MICROFOCUS PRECISION

This proposal will build a prototype high energy x-ray generator. The output will be Constant Potential (CP) at a variable energy up to one million volts (1 MeV). The anode will be removable and will be at ground potential. This will permit the use of different styles of anode. This generator will fill a gap in the range of currently available X-ray generators. This unit will have considerably greater power and energy than a 420 kV generator and a constant output, unlike the pulses from a linear accelerator. The X-ray output will be suitable for more powerful CT scanners, Backscatter imagers and general fluoroscopic imaging. The unit will also be capable of using a much finer electron beam focal spot. This will enable more accurate "Microfocus" operation at much higher energies than are currently available.

Keywords:
HIGH ENERGY X-RAY SOURCE MICROFOCUS PRECISION