Energetic electron beam assisted X-ray generator
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsThomas G. Roberts, Romas A. Shatas, Harry C. Meyer, III, John D. Stettler
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Abstract
Energetic electron beam assisted x-ray generator in which a plasma is proed by a plasma generator and seeded by high Z material to produce x-rays and to increase the number of x-rays, an electron beam source is guided to the produced plasma to further heat the plasma and produce an even greater number of x-rays. The inner electrode of the plasma generator utilizes the interaction of the beam's self magnetic field with the inner surface of the inner electrode to guide the electron source to the plasma.
Claims9
An electron beam assisted x-ray generator comprising a plasma generator for producing a plasma, a source of high energy electrons, said plasma generator and said source of high energy electrons being mounted coaxially for transmission of electrons from said source of high energy electrons and propagation of said electrons through a bore within an inner electrode of said plasma generator, high Z material in said plasma generator for seeding said plasma, and control means for said plasma generator and said source of high energy electrons for causing x-rays to be produced from direct interaction and bombardment of the plasma produced by the plasma generator and said electrons from said source of high energy electrons when said plasma has been seeded with said high Z material, said control means being such as to cause said electrons to have their space charge neutralized when they enter said bore and to be guided by interaction of their magnetic field with an inner surface of said bore to deliver said electrons to said plasma.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.