The Army needs a high energy, high power, linear x-ray tube to complete a large area, scanning computer tomographic inspection system. Available x-ray tubes cannot meet the high energy levels (>150kV) and power levels (>100mA) required to produce rapid, high resolution, tomographic images of large objects and high density materials. XSI proposes to design a suitable scanned linear x-ray source using commercially available electron beam welder components. The proposed source would also employ novel electron beam position control and monitoring systems to increase the resolution of the imaging system and prevent damage to the tube.
