Looking Inside a Prototype Compact X-Ray Tube Comprising CNT-Based Cold Cathode and Transmission-Type Anode.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Compact X-ray tubes are crucial for various applications.
• Previous simulations suggested the feasibility of a novel compact X-ray tube design.
• Experimental validation is necessary to confirm the performance of new X-ray tube components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally characterize the primary components of a prototype compact X-ray tube.
• To validate previous simulation findings for the X-ray tube design.
• To assess the performance and controllability of the novel X-ray tube.

Main Methods:

• Characterized the carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cold cathode's current-voltage relationship.
• Investigated the electrostatic lens's focal spot size control via lens voltage.
• Analyzed the transmission-type anode's X-ray energy spectra at varying anode voltages.

Main Results:

• The CNT cold cathode exhibited an exponential-like current-voltage characteristic, consistent with Fowler-Nordheim theory.
• The electrostatic lens demonstrated controllable focal spot size with a "V" trend in response to lens voltage.
• Anode voltage effectively controlled the generated X-ray energy spectra from the transmission-type anode.
• The transmission-type anode's X-ray energy spectrum closely matched that of a conventional reflection-type anode.

Conclusions:

• The experimental results validate the performance of the prototype compact X-ray tube's components.
• The study confirms the controllability of key X-ray parameters like focal spot size and X-ray energy.
• The findings support the potential of this compact X-ray tube design for future applications.