Mechanically driven millimeter source of nanosecond X-ray pulses

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 99; no. 4; pp. 613 - 617
• Main Authors: Camara, C. G., Escobar, J. V., Hird, J. R., Putterman, S. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2010; Springer
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Band spectra; Bands; Electronics; Engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Lasers; Micro- and nanoelectromechanical devices (mems/nems); Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanosecond pulses; Nanostructure; Optical Devices; Optics; Peeling; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum Optics; Rapid Communication; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; X- and γ-ray instruments and techniques; X- and γ-ray sources, mirrors, gratings and detectors; X-rays; Liquid Scintillator; Photoelectric Effect; Average Power Input; Detector Response Time; Nanosecond Duration; Pulsed source; X ray source; Microelectromechanical device; ns range
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-010-4075-x

The emission of nanosecond pulses of ≈20 keV photons having a total energy of GeVs which are generated by peeling millimeter wide strips of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape in a partial pressure of air (≈10 −3  Torr) is demonstrated. The X-ray spectrum is similar to that obtained by peeling much wider bands of PSA, implying that the characteristic length for the sequence of processes that govern this phenomenon is less than 1 mm. These experiments demonstrate that MEMS-type X-ray generators are technologically feasible.