Quantitative X-Ray Imaging of Density Distributions in High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

Summary form only given. Development of a table-top X-ray absorption imaging apparatus for determination of Hg densities in high-intensity discharge lamps is described. The apparatus is based on a commercial X-ray tube source and detection of X-rays with a phosphor and optical charge-coupled device (CCD). This type of system has the apparent disadvantages, relative to a synchrotron based system, of lower X-ray flux and a broad spectrum. However, this system has better sensitivity. The reasons for this and a comparison of noise in both types of measurements are given. The ultimate sensitivity, the relation between X-ray photons and detector counts, and the implications of the broad X-ray spectrum on measurement accuracy are discussed.