Self contained irradiation system using flat panel X-ray sources

摘要

The present disclosure describes a self-contained irradiator comprising at least one X-ray source inside a shielded enclosure, the one or more sources each operable to emit X-ray flux across an area substantially equal to the proximate facing surface area of material placed inside the enclosure to be irradiated. The irradiator may have multiple flat panel X-ray sources disposed, designed or operated so as to provide uniform flux to the material being irradiated. The advantages of the irradiator of the present disclosure include compactness, uniform flux doses, simplified thermal management, efficient shielding and safety, the ability to operate at high power levels for sustained periods and high throughput.

主权项

1. A self-contained irradiator comprising:
a radiation-shielded enclosure; at least one flat panel X-ray source within said radiation-shielded enclosure, said at least one flat panel X-ray source operable to emit an X-ray flux across an area substantially equal to a proximate facing surface area of material placed inside said enclosure to be irradiated, each of said at least one flat panel X-ray sources comprising:
a cathode array formed by a plurality of cathodes on a flux exit window of said source; anda wide, flat metallic X-ray target disposed opposite said cathode array, said wide, flat metallic X-ray target having a thickness greater than 1 mm, said wide, flat metallic X-ray target further comprising:
a first major surface facing said cathode array and exposed to a vacuum of said source; anda second major surface exposed to an exterior of said source, the exit window and said X-ray target being integral major parts of a vacuum enclosure of said source; and wherein said cathode array is operable to emit multiple electron beams toward said X-ray target to generate the X-ray flux, a portion of the X-ray flux thereby emitted in a direction of said cathode array, passing by or through said cathodes in said array and out the exit window.