The pulsed X-ray radiation source based on a semiconductor opening switch with the focal point diameter of 0.5 mm and its application.

Abstract

This investigation is devoted to developing a pulsed X-ray radiation source. The high-voltage pulse generator is based on an inductive energy storage unit and a semiconductor opening switch, and the latter ensures a high pulse repetition rate. A high-voltage pulse generator has the following parameters: the pulse voltage amplitude up to 120 kV, the pulse current up to 180 A, the current pulse duration at 50% of the peak height of about 20 ns, and the pulse repetition rate up to 5 kHz. The source works consistently when the pulse repetition rate is increased. We developed the designs of an anode and an explosive emission cathode for the pulsed X-ray tube with the focal point of 0.5 mm, used in the experiments. The setup which makes it possible to investigate demountable models of pulsed X-ray tubes is described in this paper. We believe there are advantages of using an X-ray source with the flare duration of about 20 ns and the pulse repetition rate up to 5 kHz over continuously working X-ray sources. The source is unique for some problems, such as studying high-speed processes. The experiments have shown that a pulsed X-ray source works consistently together with a digital detector, and the generation of X-ray flares is easily synchronized with the detector and the rotation system. In the article, we discuss the issues of reducing image blurring for computerized tomography purposes, caused by fast rotation of the source and the detector relative to the object of investigation and reducing the radiation exposure of the investigated object. We also set further objectives of the investigation and present perspectives and limitations of this source.