Compact laboratory X ray tube generates X rays of various wavelengths by using interchangeable target anodes. The wavelength of the X rays depends on the metal from which the anode is made

Shields, R. A.

English

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bunt 
ounting Flange 
rid Cap) 
cJow 
ig Flange 
Anode) 
Filament C 
Interchal 
Target 44 
Filai 
Gri
July 1967	 Brief 67-10218 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
X-Ray Source Uses Interchangeable Target Anodes 
to Vary X-Ray Wavelength
'' Coolant (Water) Channel 
The problem:	 How it's done: 
To design a cpmpact laboratory X-ray tube that will 	 The body of the tube is made of boron nitride, 
be capable of generating X-rays of various wave- 	 which serves both as an electrical insulator and a heat 
lengths.	 sink. The window, which provides an exit for the 
The solution:	 X-rays, is located in the side of the body at the end 
An X-ray tube in which the target anode can be	 adjacent to the target anode. The grid cap, made of 
easily interchanged to obtain X-rays of the desired	 electrically conductive material, is mounted on the 
wavelength,	 opposite (flared) end of the body. A slit is provided in 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000218 2020-03-11T20:30:14+00:00Z
the grid cap for the filament, which is rigidly sup-
ported from the insulation mount. This mount is 
clamped against the grid cap by the filament clamp 
ring. Electron emission from the filament, which 
penetrates the slit by approximately 0.030 inch, is 
focused by adjusting the voltage applied to the grid 
cap. The interchangeable target anodes are flanged 
metal disks having a channel for circulation of coolant 
water. The wavelength of the X-rays produced by the 
tube depends on the metal (aluminum, copper, etc.) 
from which the anode is made.
Notes: 
1. The X-ray source must be operated in a vacuum. 
2. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
NASA Pasadena Office 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California 91103 
Reference: B67-10218 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Rex A. Shields 
(NPO-10036)
Li 
. 
Brief 67-10218	 .	 Category 02


X-ray source uses interchangeable target anodes to vary X-ray wavelength

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