Experimental studies on a compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma x-ray source

Abstract

A compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma x-ray source, which has a potential use for medical imaging is presented in this article. In this article, the experimental system and the characterization studies on plasma and x ray are presented. Using a Langmuir probe, the plasma parameters are measured for different magnetic field profiles and gas pressures. The x-ray spectrum is obtained for various gas pressures and magnetic field profiles. In the x-ray spectrum, the Bremstrahlung radiation, peaking at 20–60 keV is observed and the final energy of the x ray is extended up to ∼200 keV. Thermo luminescence dosimeter (CaSO4 sample) is used for estimating the dose at the port and these results are presented for typical x-ray spectra. Using a teletector, the dose at the port for various coil current is measured and these are compared with the estimated dose obtained from the x-ray spectrum.