Dual-energy flash x-ray generator

The fundamental studies on a dual-energy flash x-ray generator for performing the energy-selective two-direction radiography are described. This generator consisted of the following components: a negative high- voltage power supply, a polarity-inversion-type high-voltage pulser having a 5 nF combined ceramic condenser, a turbo molecular pump, and two flash x-ray tubes. The condenser in the pulser was charged from -60 to -80 kV, and the electric charges in the condenser were discharged to two x-ray tubes. The maximum output voltage from the pulser was about -1.5 times the charged voltage because the cable transmission line was employed. Using a tube, the maximum tube voltage was about 110 kV. The maximum tube current and the x-ray intensity were less than 3 kA and 5 (mu) C/kg at 0.5 m per pulse, respectively. In contrast, the tube current and the intensity has approximately half the above values when two tubes were employed. The pulse widths were less than 200 ns, and two shots of flash x rays were obtained simultaneously. Each photon energy of flash x rays can be changed by controlling the space between the anode and cathode electrodes.