Electron beam-capillary plasma flash x-ray device
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorRichard A. McCorkle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and device for the generation of x-rays is described. X-rays can be generated by establishing a high density plasma in a capillary passage and then passing an electron beam therethrough. The device has a cylindrical passage, the ends of which are maintained at a potential difference. An electrode is maintained at the potential and is slightly displaced from the higher potential end. When ions are supplied to the passage, the higher potential end is discharged and a high density plasma is created in the cylindrical passage. The discharge of the higher potential end of the cylindrical passage causes a discharge of the electrode into the passage forming an electron beam which interacts with the plasma, generating x-rays.
Claims14
An x-ray device for employment in a vacuum chamber comprising:
- a first plate of a conductive material;
- an intermediate layer of an insulating material attached to said first conductive plate;
- a second plate of a conductive material attached to said intermediate layer and electrically isolated from said first conductive plate;
- a cylindrical capillary passage formed by a first capillary opening which extends through said first conductive plate, said layer of insulating material and said second conducting plate;
- a first electrode having a tapered end, said electrode spaced apart from said second conducting plate and aligned with said cylindrical capillary passage;
- means for supplying ions to said cylindrical capillary passage;
- first means for storing capacitive energy so that said second plate is maintained at a potential with respect to said first plate;
- second means for storing capacitive energy so that said first electrode is maintained at a potential with respect to said first plate;
- means for electrically connecting said first electrode and said second conducting plate allowing passage of a current to equalize the potential between said second conductive plate and said first electrode;
- and
- means for triggering a discharge between said first conductive plate and said second conductive plate, where an ionized plasma is established in said cylindrical capillary passage and said electrode discharges an electron beam into said plasma causing the generation of x-rays.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.