Thomas Robert Raber

Image-based characterization of microfocus x-ray target failure

X-ray targets in microfocus x-ray tubes fail primarily due to sublimation and evaporation of tungsten while exposed to the electron beam. The temperature at the point of impact of the electron beam depends on the beam energy (200-300 kV), the beam current (<10 mA), the cross section (<1 mm) and the intensity profile. In order to preserve the target for a reasonable lifetime, temperatures at the spot do not typically exceed 2500 C. As tungsten evaporates from the surface of the target, the surface starts to pit and this can affect the x-ray production in multiple ways: the photon flux decreases, the heel effect is enhanced, the effective spot size changes shape and/or size. Indirectly, the target damage incurred over time or due to intense use will undermine the image quality by reducing image contrast, changing the resolution or degrading the signal to noise ratio. A detailed description of how x-ray target damage is incurred and the potential impact on image quality is reviewed in detail. Experimental results showing the target damage and associated loss of image quality are discussed.

THERMAL analysis of high power x-ray target: scaling effects

High resolution x-ray imaging systems require small focal spots ranging from 1 μm to 1 mm. In NDE applications, the demand for small spot sizes for high spatial resolution conflicts with the need for increased x-ray flux for faster scan times. In this paper, a finite element model is developed to compute the temperature of a stationary x-ray target exposed to micrometer-sized high power (10’s to 100’s of watts) electron beams. Such extremely high power densities at the focal spot are the limiting factor in both performance and life of many x-ray imaging system. This model is used to demonstrate the effect of focal spot size – diameter, on the heat dissipation capability. As the spot size reduces, a higher power density may be sustained by the target. This effect is explained by increased lateral heat conduction. The peak temperature of a small focal spot also becomes more sensitive to the current density distribution of the incident electron beam. The relationship of the peak power and electron beam profile, volumetric power deposition into the x-ray target and focal spot aspect ratio are discussed. Some experimental data demonstrating such scaling effects is included. General design rules for higher-flux capable targets leveraging these scaling effects are also proposed.

Soft magnetic composites manufactured by warm co-extrusion of bulk metallic glass and steel powders

Soft magnetic composites of Fe-based bulk metallic glass and low-alloy steel have been manufactured by warm co-extrusion of precursor powders at temperatures within the supercooled liquid region of the glass. Composites were manufactured with amorphous volume fractions of 75%, 67%, and 100%. Full consolidation of the constituent powders was observed with the bulk metallic glass remaining substantially amorphous. The composite electrical resistivity was observed to be anisotropic with a resistivity of 79 μΩ cm measured transverse to the extrusion axis in a sample with 75% amorphous volume fraction. A 0-3 connectivity pattern with the low-resistivity steel phase embedded in a 3-dimensionally connected high-resistivity bulk metallic glass phase was observed with scanning electron microscopy. This confirms that the flow characteristics of the bulk metallic glass and the steel powders were comparable during extrusion at these temperatures. The saturation magnetization of 1.3 T was consistent with the volume we...