A novel method to generate X-ray continuously by triboluminescence

Triboluminescence is a luminous phenomenon resulted from friction; for example, peeling scotch tape, breaking rock sugar with a hammer, peeling mica and so on. Triboluminescence is well known over 50 years but in 2008 UCLA group reported the radiation of x-ray region by triboluminescence in vacuum for the first time¹. UCLA group made an automatic machine which peels scotch tape. With a view to practical application of triboluminescence to roentgen diagnosis we made an automatic peeling machine similar to that of UCLA group. An x-ray tube for conventional roentgen diagnosis needs a high voltage power supply. In contrast, triboluminescence does not need it. So it is very useful for roentgen diagnosis to replace a conventional x-ray tube with triboluminescence. Thus far, we have attempted to confirm the x-ray generation from triboluminescence using a filtered phosphor screen when the parameters such as the followings are changed; peeling speed, atmospheric pressure, variety of scotch tape, emission angle etc. Then in a similar way we have also attempted to measure x-ray dose from triboluminescence using a potable dosemeter. It was found that the x-ray generation has a directional property. Because the method to peel scotch tapes does not enable to operate continuously, new method without scotch tapes has been proposed^2-3. The new method repeatedly contacts silicone with epoxy to produce x-ray. In this conference, we have reported a novel method to generate x-ray radiation by triboluminescence. Two circular discs are contacted and rotated: One is made of silicone and another is m ade of epoxy. We have made a new-type triboluminescence equipment and examined its characteristics when the following conditions are changed; combinations of contact materials, rotating velocity, radiation direction, pressure and so on.