Filter apparatus for use with an x-ray source
AssigneeMaxwell Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsJohn C. Riordan, Jay S. Pearlman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Filter apparatus for use in x-ray equipment including a repetitively pulsed x-ray source, a window for transmitting x-rays generated by the source to an object to be irradiated, and a vacuum chamber containing the x-ray source and the filter apparatus. The filter apparatus includes a baffle for diffusing hot gases and directing them away from the window. The filter apparatus further includes an ultraviolet light absorber which overlies the window with respect to the x-ray source whereby undesirable components generated with the x-rays by the x-ray source are substantially eliminated prior to reaching the window. Also disclosed is a method of eliminating undersirable by-products of x-ray generation.
Claims14
Filter apparatus in x-ray equipment including a plasma pinch x-ray source, a window for transmitting x-rays generated by the source to an object to be irradiated, and a vacuum chamber containing said x-ray source and said filter apparatus and with said window partially defining said vacuum chamber, said filter apparatus being disposed between said x-ray source and said window and comprising:
- a plurality of baffles disposed in series between said x-ray source and said window for diffusing hot gases and directing them away from said window, each of said baffles having an opening with the openings defining a line of sight x-ray path between said source and said window;
- and
- means for absorbing ultraviolet light from the beam of x-rays passing through said window from said x-ray source such that undesirable components generated with the x-rays by said x-ray source are substantially eliminate prior to reaching said window.
Filter apparatus in x-ray equipment including a plasma pinch x-ray source, a window for transmitting x-rays generated by the source to an object to be irradiated, and a vacuum chamber containing said x-ray source and said filter apparatus and with said window partially defining said vacuum chamber, said filter apparatus being disposed between said x-ray source and said window and comprising:
- a baffle for diffusing hot gases and directing them away from said window;
- and
- means for absorbing ultraviolet light from the beam of x-rays passing through said window from said x-ray source such that undesirable components generated with the x-rays by said x-ray source are substantially eliminated prior to reaching said window, wherein said baffle is disposed adjacent said x-ray source and is formed of a material which is an absorber of soft x-rays, wherein said baffle is generally conical, has an axis and has a central opening for forming a portion of said x-ray path.
Filter apparatus in x-ray equipment including a plasma pinch x-ray source, a window for transmitting x-rays generated by the source, to an object to be irradiated, and a vacuum chamber containing said x-ray source and said filter apparatus and with said window partially defining said vacuum chamber, said filter apparatus being disposed between said x-ray source and said window and comprising:
- a baffle for diffusing hot gases and directing them away from said window;
- and
- means for absorbing ultraviolet light from the beam of x-rays passing through said window from said x-ray source such that undesirable components generated with the x-rays by said x-ray source are substantially eliminated prior to reaching said window,
- further comprising means for deflecting charged particles way from said window, said baffle and said deflecting means defining a line of sight x-ray path between said x-ray source and said window, wherein said means for deflecting comprises at least one magnet disposed between said baffle and said means for absorbing.
A method of filtering undesirable by-products of x-ray generation by an x-ray source aligned with a window for transmiting x-rays, said source being disposed in a vacuum chamber partially defined by said window, said method comprising:
- (1) diffusing hot gases caused by operation of said x-ray source and directing them away from said window and further diffusing any hot gases still traveling towards said window through the use of a plurality of baffles disposed in series between said source and said window;
- (2) deflecting charged particles away from said window;
- and
- (3) protecting said window from ultraviolet radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.