The author examines the problems of X-ray flash production and its applications, similar to those of continuous X-radiation. Special problems are the fast production of high X-ray intensities to produce detectable radiation and the high-voltage and high-current discharge circuits required. Anode voltages from some 10 kV to about 1 MV and currents up to 10 kA are normal for laboratory equipment, but 100 MV and 1 MA are possible. The flash time is mostly between 10 ns and 1 mu s. Cineradiography with frame rates up to 106 pictures s-1 can be achieved.

X-ray flash techniques

Design and working principle of a flash x‐ray system is described. A two‐stage Marx generator is used, the charging voltage is 150 kV, the stored energy 1125 J. Anode and cathode are arranged coaxially. The anode consists of a tungsten coated aluminium tube of 20 mm i.d. into which the substances to be irradiated are placed. Measurements of electrical and radiation parameters are described. The x‐ray dose per pulse is 400 rad, the half‐width of the pulse is 0.2 μsec and the mean quantum energy 44 keV. An example for the application of the system in microsecond pulse radiolysis is presented.

E.‐G. Niemann

Papers

A 400 rad flash x-ray system for pulse radiolysis.