Miniature X-Ray Generator with Pyroelectric CrystalBattery Operated |
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Features
Applications
The COOL-X is a novel, miniature X-ray generator which uses a pyroelectric crystal to generate electrons that produce X-rays in the target material (Cu). The hermetically sealed package has a thin beryllium window which allows the X-rays to be transmitted. The COOL-X does not use radioisotopes or high power X-ray tubes. It is a self contained, solid state system which generates X-rays when the crystal is thermally cycled. The COOL-X is unique, and should not be compared with other X-ray tubes. It is thermally cycled between 2 to 5 minutes, and does not produce a constant flux of X-rays. The x-ray flux varies throughout the cycle and may vary from cycle to cycle, see figure 4. The use of the COOL-X in practical applications will challenge the user's imagination!
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The Amptek Cool-X X-Ray Generator has been selected for the R&D 100 Award by the independent judging panel and editors of R&D Magazine as one of the year's most technologically significant products (July, 2003). |
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When heated, a pyroelectric crystal exhibits spontaneous decrease of polarization. Hence, as the temperature increases, an electric field develops across the crystal. For a specific crystal orientation (-Z face pointing to the target), the top surface of the crystal gets positively charged and attracts electrons from the low pressure gas in the environment. As the electrons impinge on the surface of the crystal, they produce characteristic x-rays (Ta) as well as bremsstrahlung x-rays (see figure 1). When the cooling phase starts, the spontaneous polarization increases, and the electrons from the top surface of the crystal are accelerated towards the Cu target which is at ground potential. At this part of the cycle, Cu characteristic x-rays are produced as well as bremsstrahlung x-rays (see figure 2). When the crystal temperature reaches its low point, the heating phase starts again. The cycle time of the COOL-X can be varied from 2 to 5 minutes.
Figure 3 shows the typical x-ray spectrum of the COOL-X obtained from the sum of 300 cycles with the dominant 8 keV peak and the bremsstrahlung continuum. Figure 4 shows a typical COOL-X output count rate as a function of time for several heating and cooling phases. The x-ray flux varies throughout the cycle and may vary from cycle to cycle, see figure 4.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4 is a typical COOL-X Output Flux vs Time. Specific units may have more counts in the heating or cooling phase, or all of the counts in one of the two phases.
When not in use, power to the COOL-X should be turned OFF. The COOL-X is not designed for continuous operation, therefore its lifetime will depend on how it is used.
If used intermittently, for about 1-3 hours per day, the estimated lifetime of the COOL-X can be extended to well over 1000 hours. Continuous use of the COOL-X will shorten its lifetime to approximately 200 hours.
The Controller is enclosed inside the metal box. The function of the Controller is to supply power to the X-ray generator, monitor its temperature, and automatically change the heating and cooling phases of the cycle. Both a 9 V AC adapter and a 9 V battery are included. The battery will provide approximately 6 hours of operation.
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All spectra taken with the XR-100CR X-Ray Detector and the MCA8000A Multichannel Analyzer.
Part of a mummified field mouse. The radiographic image was produced with the Cool-X X-Ray Generator over three cycles at a distance of 10 cm.
Image courtesy of James D. Brownridge, State University of New York at Binghamton.
Figure 7.
Cool-X specifications in PDF (115k)
Revised July 30, 2004
