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Published on: May 9, 2020
A 9 keV electron-impact liquid-gallium-jet x-ray source.
M Otendal1, T Tuohimaa, U Vogt
1Biomedical and X-Ray Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology/Albanova, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden. mikael.otenda@biox.kth.se
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|February 6, 2008
Summary
We developed a compact, high-brightness 9 keV electron-impact X-ray source using a liquid gallium jet. This innovative X-ray source shows potential for advancing laboratory-scale X-ray crystallography and microscopy.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Instrumentation
Background:
- Conventional X-ray sources often lack the brightness and spatial resolution required for advanced applications.
- Microfocus X-ray sources are crucial for high-resolution imaging and analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel high-brightness, compact 9 keV electron-impact X-ray source.
- To evaluate the potential of a liquid gallium-jet anode for X-ray generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 50 kV electron gun with approximately 30 W power.
- Focused the electron beam onto a liquid gallium-jet anode (approximately 30 μm diameter).
- Characterized the generated X-ray spot size (approximately 10 μm FWHM) and spectral brightness.
Main Results:
- Achieved a peak spectral brightness exceeding 2 x 10^10 photons/(s mm^2 mrad^2 0.1% BW).
- Produced a microfocus X-ray spot with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 10 micrometers.
- Experimental and calculated data indicate potential for a three-order-of-magnitude increase in brightness.
Conclusions:
- The liquid gallium-jet anode enables the creation of a high-brightness, compact microfocus X-ray source.
- The demonstrated source is suitable for laboratory-scale X-ray crystallography and hard X-ray microscopy.
- Further optimization could significantly enhance the source's brightness for broader scientific applications.
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