Radiographic Properties of Plasma-Filled Rod-Pinch Diodes

Author

Weber, B.V. ; Allen, R.J. ; Commisso, R.J. ; Cooperstein, G. ; Hinshelwood, D.D. ; Mosher, D. ; Murphy, D.P. ; Ottinger, P.F. ; Phipps, D.G. ; Schumer, J.W. ; Stephanakis, S.J. ; Swanekamp, S.B. ; Pope, S.C. ; Threadgold, J.R. ; Biddle, L.A. ; Clough, S.G

Author_Institution

Naval Res. Lab., Washington

Volume

36

Issue

2

fYear

2008

fDate

4/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

443

Lastpage

456

Abstract

The plasma-filled rod-pinch diode (PFRP) is a new X-ray source appropriate for pulsed hydrodynamic radiography with endpoint voltage in the 1-2 MV range. The use of a plasma prefill in a rod-pinch-electrode configuration results in intense concentration of a 150-300 kA, ~2 MeV, ~100 ns electron beam at the tip of a tapered tungsten rod, producing an X-ray source with a submillimeter diameter and a dose of 25 rad (CaF₂) at a distance of 1 m. These parameters are superior to conventional vacuum diodes used for radiography in this electron-beam energy range. The narrow X-ray source distribution and enhanced emission of X-rays with energies less than 300 keV are unique features of the PFRP that may be exploited for improved resolution and dynamic range for radiographic applications.

Keywords

pinch effect; plasma X-ray sources; plasma diodes; radiography; tungsten; PFRP; W; X-ray source; current 150 kA to 300 kA; distance 1 m; electron beam; plasma prefill; plasma-filled rod-pinch diodes; pulsed hydrodynamic radiography; radiographic properties; tapered tungsten rod tip; voltage 1 MV to 2 MV; Diodes; Electron beams; Elementary particle vacuum; Hydrodynamics; Plasma properties; Plasma sources; Plasma x-ray sources; Radiography; Tungsten; Voltage; Plasma-filled diode; pulsed power; radiography; rod-pinch diode;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-3813

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TPS.2008.918953

Filename

4484182