DEVICE OF PUTTING X-RAY AT OBJECT

摘要

Apparatus for providing X-rays (11) to an object (12) in air. A lens (13) directs energy (14) from a laser (27) onto a target (15) to produce X-rays (11) of a selected spectrum and intensity. A substantially fluid-tight first enclosure (16) around the target (15) has a pressure therein substantially below atmospheric pressure, and has at least a portion of one wall (19) in common with an adjoining substantially fluid-tight second enclosure (18) containing only helium or hydrogen. The common wall portion (19) has an opening (20) large enough to permit X-rays (11) to pass through and yet small enough that gas (21) can be evacuated from the first enclosure (16) at least as fast as it enters through the opening (20). The target (15) is located close to the opening (20) and a emits a substantial portion of the X-rays (11) through the opening (20) and on toward a wall (22) of the second enclosure (18) having a portion (25) that is highly transparent to them, so that the object (12) to which the X-rays (11) are to be provided may be located outside the second enclosure (18) and adjacent thereto and thus receive the X-rays (11) substantially unimpeded by air or other undesired intervening matter.