Novel, movable, multianode x-ray source for imaging detector calibrations

Kenneth Glenn Tirsell; Mark Whitman Bowers; Allen J. Elsholz; John E. Randolph

doi:10.1117/12.140469

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3 February 1993 Novel, movable, multianode x-ray source for imaging detector calibrations

Kenneth Glenn Tirsell, Mark Whitman Bowers, Allen J. Elsholz, John E. Randolph

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Proceedings Volume 1736, X-Ray Detector Physics and Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140469
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We have developed a moveable, multi-anode, electron-induced x-ray source for calibrating x-ray imaging detector systems. The source features four water-cooled, copper-based anodes that are easily replaced and interchangeable under vacuum. A spherically symmetric filament and anode configuration yields very symmetrical source spot sizes variable from 1 to 5 mm diam. The source is coupled to vacuum by means of a triple-axis translator with x and z motions computer controlled to better than +/- 13 micrometers step accuracy. Absolute source flux is continuously monitored with a proportional counter. We characterize the source spot in detail by aiming the anode towards a pin-hole imaging x-ray detector system. To date we have used Co, Fe, Mg, and Ge vapor-deposited on copper anodes. When filtered with Ni or Mg foils, these emitting materials provide sets of four moderately pure x-ray lines below 1.5 keV. High deposition purity as well as 1E-7 torr source chamber pressures help reduce source degradation. Source translation and data acquisition are computer controlled using a Macintosh/LabVIEW software system. We discuss the application of our source configuration to spatial calibrations of extended pinhole and slit imaging detector systems. In addition, our multi-anode capability is useful for calibrating x-ray spectrograph response versus wavelength.

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Kenneth Glenn Tirsell, Mark Whitman Bowers, Allen J. Elsholz, and John E. Randolph "Novel, movable, multianode x-ray source for imaging detector calibrations", Proc. SPIE 1736, X-Ray Detector Physics and Applications, (3 February 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.140469

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