Miniature X-ray Source--Development of a Prototype

The development of a miniature X-ray source prototype is presented. The source consists of two tungsten electrodes which are vacuum brazed onto an alumina (Al2O3) tube. Field emission current from the cathode results in X-ray production in the anode. Simulations indicate that operation of the source...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomedical microdevices 2002-12, Vol.4 (4), p.285-292
Main Authors: Ribbing, Carolina, Strid, Niklas, Pelle Rangsten, Tiren, Jonas
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The development of a miniature X-ray source prototype is presented. The source consists of two tungsten electrodes which are vacuum brazed onto an alumina (Al2O3) tube. Field emission current from the cathode results in X-ray production in the anode. Simulations indicate that operation of the source at 20 kV and 15 [mu]A would be feasible for post dilation treatment of coronary arteries in respect of tissue dose rate and heat dissipation. The X-ray source offers comparable treatment times to radioactive sources but minimizes the dose administered to non-target tissue. By variation of electrode spacing and acceleration voltage the radiation range in tissue can be tailored for different medical applications. The first prototypes work well in vacuum but exhibit short lifetimes at atmospheric pressure.
ISSN:1387-2176
1572-8781
DOI:10.1023/A:1020954122983