A miniature metal-ceramic x-ray source for spacecraft instrumentation.
Definitive mineralogical identification of materials with x-ray diffraction and fluorescence on remote planetary probes requires the development of a rugged miniature x-ray source that complies with the mass, power, thermal, and electrical management constraints imposed by space missions. Conventional x-ray tubes are generally fragile, glass-envelope designs with heat-sensitive seals. They are too brittle and bulky for planetary missions, and usually require cumbersome and power-consuming cooling systems. Here we describe the development of a novel, rugged miniature x-ray source employing a ceramic BeO substrate upon which a metal target material is deposited. Conventional thermionic emission and high-voltage acceleration of electrons to strike the metal target material produce an x-ray yield comparable to conventional x-ray tubes. Thermal management of the x-ray source is achieved with the excellent heat transport properties of the BeO target substrate coupled with a passive heatpipe.
Koppel
L N
LN
Oryx Technology Corporation, Fremont, California 94538, USA.
Marshall
J R
JR
D001608:Beryllium / Q000528:radiation effects; D002516:Ceramics; D004583:Electrons; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D018535:Mars; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018531:Spacecraft / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014965:X-Rays
C032777:beryllium oxide; D001608:Beryllium