A compact X-ray source via fast microparticle streams

Abstract

The spatiotemporal resolution of diagnostic X-ray images is limited by the erosion and rupture of conventional stationary and rotating anodes of X-ray tubes from extreme density of input power and thermal cycling of the anode material. Conversely, detector technology has developed rapidly. Finer detector pixels demand improved output from brilliant keV-type X-ray sources with smaller X-ray focal spots than today and would be available to improve the efficacy of medical imaging. In addition, novel cancer therapy demands for greatly improved output from X-ray sources. However, since its advent in 1929, the technology of high-output compact X-ray tubes has relied upon focused electrons hitting a spinning rigid rotating anode; a technology that, despite of substantial investment in material technology, has become the primary bottleneck of further improvement. In the current study, an alternative target concept employing a stream of fast discrete metallic microparticles that intersect with the electron beam is explored by simulations that cover the most critical uncertainties. The concept is expected to have far-reaching impact in diagnostic imaging, radiation cancer therapy and non-destructive testing. We outline technical implementations that may become the basis of future X-ray source developments based on the suggested paradigm shift. Rolf Behling and colleagues propose a new X-ray source concept to improve the resolution of X-ray computed tomography and non-destructive testing and the efficacy of radiation cancer therapy by replacing the rotary anode with a fast stream of microparticles in the electron beam.