Abstract
A repetitive flash x-ray generator utilizing a hot-cathode diode in conjunction with a modified Blumlein pulser for biomedical radiography is described. This generator consisted of the following essential components: a constant high-voltage power supply with a maximum voltage of 100 kV, an energy-storage condenser of 97 nF, a high-voltage pulser, a DC power supply for the filament, and an x-ray tube. The x-ray tube was of the glass-enclosed diode and consisted of the following major devices: a plate target made of tungsten, a hot cathode (filament) made from a tungsten wire, a focusing electrode made of iron, and a glass tube body. The two ceramic condensers in the high-voltage pulser were charged from -50 to -70 kV, and the peak voltages of the pulser output were about -1.4 times the condenser charged voltage. The tube voltages were nearly equivalent to the pulser outputs, and the tube currents were considered to be a value of less than 0.6 A. The effective durations of the flash x rays were less than 10 μs, and the maximum x-ray intensity was 43 nC/kg at 0.5 m per pulse with a charged voltage of -70 kV. The repetitive rate of the flash x rays was less than 40 Hz, and the sizes of the xray source were about 4×4 mm.
