A Simple Technique to Record X-Ray Fluence Anisotropy of a Source

Abstract

A simple technique to record the fluence anisotropy of x-rays emitted from a source is presented. The simplicity of the technique and response curves of the photographic film, along with corresponding filters, enables one to readily use the same for diagnostic purposes in different sources such as plasma focus, vacuum spark, z-pinch, and laser-produced plasmas. As an application example, the technique is employed to measure fluence anisotropy of x-ray emission in a low-energy plasma focus operated with hydrogen. With increase in filling pressure, the anisotropy is found to increase, although the total x-ray emission is lowered. It is therefore concluded that at a lower filling pressure of 0.75 mbar, the x-ray emission is dominantly due to interaction of energetic electrons in the current sheath, whereas at a higher filling pressure of 2.5 mbar, the contribution of energetic electron beam is much higher.