An X-ray Converter of a Megavolt Electron Beam for Powerful Pulsed Generators

Abstract

The problems of developing bremsstrahlung converters for powerful pulse electron diodes of highcurrent generators are analyzed. Designs for diode anodes, converter optimization guidelines, and methods for increasing the X-ray yield are discussed. The design of a new converter manufactured from a thin pressed tungsten wire placed between two plates of pyrolyzed graphite is reported. The use of this converter for converting a high-power megavolt pulsed electron beam into bremsstrahlung is described. The converter lifetime is 10 7 pulses at an average power density of up to 100 W/cm 2 and a peak power density of 10 9 W/cm 2 . The converter parameters are optimized for various electron energies.