Spot focus flash X-ray source

摘要

A high intensity spot focus soft X-ray source is described. The source produces a spectrum in the range from about 5 A to 300 A, with maximum power in the neighborhood of tens of angstroms. The flash intensity of the flash source is in the neighborhood of 1017 X-ray photons per flash. The source has an anode, and a cathode which is spaced apart from the anode and has a protrusion thereon. An insulating body having a passage therethrough is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The passage and the protrusion are axially aligned. At least one viewing port for the passage is provided. A means for maintaining the potential between the anode and the cathode allows the establishment of a potential between the same.