In case of using an assembly of microchannel plates (with a photocathode) instead of a conventional cathode as an electron source in the design of an X-ray tube, an X-ray emitter with modulation can be obtained, opening up new possibilities in X-ray applications. The output radiation is controlled by applying a light pulse from a LED to a photocathode at the input.
Compared to traditional X-ray tubes, this design has a number of advantages:
- operation in continuous and pulse modes;
- response time at nanosecond level;
- X-ray intensity can be controlled by the LED current;
- no heating element;
- compactness of the device;
- possibility to use the same device for soft and medium-hard X-rays (using different voltages).
Application fields of such devices:
- accurate and low-dose medical x-ray imaging;
- X-ray communication;
- calibration of X-ray detectors in space;
- a compact device for X-ray diffraction and time-resolved fluorescence;
- Chemical/material analysis, identification of substances in mining, non-destructive testing (metal fatigue, etc.).
The devices described above are manufactured for specific applications in the United States.
VTC Baspik produces microchannel plates and MCP-assemblies, on which basis the production of X-ray emitters with modulation can be realized.
Development status: market research, search for co-developers