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Mini-X is a self-contained miniature X-ray tube system,
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Features
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Applications
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Mini-X is the first of its kind; a self-contained, packaged, miniature X-ray tube system, which includes the X-ray tube, the power supply, the control electronics and the USB communication to the computer. It is designed to replace radioisotopes in X-ray fluorescence analysis applications.
Mini-X has been designed to simplify the XRF process by providing a grounded anode, variable current and voltage controlled via USB and ease of operation. It features a 40 kV/100 µA power supply, a tungsten (W) or silver (Ag) transmission target, and a beryllium end window. It is designed for continuous operation in industrial environments.
To further simplify the use of Mini-X an AC adaptor is provided to supply the 9 VDC needed to power the system. The only connections needed to operate the tube are a USB cable and AC adaptor. A flashing red LED and a beeper warns the user when x-rays are present.
Figure 1. Mini-X output X-ray spectra (Ag target - left, W target - right).
The Mini-X is based on the Newton Scientific Inc. miniature X-ray source.
| Target Material | Silver (Ag) or Tungsten (W) |
| Target Thickness | 1.5 µm |
| Tube voltage | 10 to 40 kV |
| Tube current | 5 µA min. / 200 µA max See Figure 2 below |
| Approximate Dose Rate | 800 µGy/h at 40 kV, 50 µA (W target) at 30 cm |
| Approximate Flux | 106 cps at 40 cm through 1 mm diameter collimator (40 keV, 100 µA) |
| Continuous Output Power | 4 W max at 100% duty cycle See Figure 2 below |
| Window Material | Beryllium (Be); window at ground |
| Window Thickness | 500 µm |
| Focal Spot Size | Approximately 2 mm |
| Output Cone Angle | 120° (See figures 6 and 7) |
| Cooling | Air Cooled |
| High Voltage Stability | <0.03% RSD |
| Leakage Radiation | <100 nSv/h |
| Power Consumption | 8.5 W at 40 kV and 100 µA (9 VDC input voltage) |
| Input Voltage | 9 VDC (AC adapter included), connector |
| Control | USB, mini-USB connector (cable included) |
| Settling Time | Typical <1 second |
| Weight | 280 grams |
| Humidity | 30 to 90% noncondencing |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10 °C to 50 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -25 °C to 60 °C |
| Safety Controls and Indicators | 1) External Hardware Interlock 2) Flashing LED 3) Beeper |
| Software | Mini-X Control software to control voltage and current (see figure 3).
Mini-X API for custom programming applications. |
| Warranty | One year or 2000 hours, whichever comes first |
Figure 2. 4W Isopower curve.
Figure 3. USB Software Interface. Allows the user to set the voltage and current as well as monitor both parameters.
Figure 4. Back panel connectors.
Figure 5. Relative Output Spectra: Ag and W Targets. Taken at a distance of 18 inches (45.7 cm)
with a 1 mm diameter collimator at 40 kV/2 µA and 30k counts per second.
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 Figure 8. Mini-X W Output Spectrum with 3 mil Cu Filter. |
 Figure 9. Mini-X W Output Spectrum with 2 mil Mo Filter. |
 Figure 10. Mini-X W Output Spectrum with 1 mil Ag Filter. |
 Figure 11. Mini-X W Output Spectrum with 1 mil W + 10 mil Al Filter. |
 Figure 12. Mini-X W Output Spectrum with 80 mil Al Filter. |
 Figure 13. Mini-X Ag Output Spectrum with 3 mil Cu Filter. |
 Figure 14. Mini-X Ag Output Spectrum with 2 mil Mo Filter. |
 Figure 15. Mini-X Ag Output Spectrum with 1 mil Ag Filter. |
 Figure 16. Mini-X Ag Output Spectrum with 1 mil W + 10 mil Al Filter. |
 Figure 17. Mini-X Ag Output Spectrum with 80 mil Al Filter. |
The above spectra have not been normalized (i.e. not taken at the same current for the same time etc.). They have been provided only to show the shape of the spectrum and demonstrate how a filter can be used to obtain a beam specific to an application. Keep in mind that when any filter is used it reduces the flux coming out of the tube. An Al filter reduces the flux much less than a W or Ag filter. The higher the Z of the filter or the thicker the filter, the less flux will be available. It is therefore necessary to raise the current of the x-ray tube to compensate.
The above spectra were taken with the Amptek XR-100T-CdTe detector, a PX4 digital processor and power supply, and the tungsten (W) and silver (Ag) versions of the Mini-X. In the spectra above there are notches observed at 26.7 and 31.8 keV. These are the Cd and Te K absorption edges. The XRF-FP software was used to correct the escape peaks generated in the detector. Please see application note ANCDTE1 for more information on the effects of the CdTe detector on the output spectrum.
The following filters are provided with the Mini-X:
| Material | Thickness (µm/mils) | # Provided |
| Al | 1016/40 | 5 |
| Al | 254/10 | 5 |
| Cu | 25.4/1 | 3 |
| Mo | 25.4/1 | 2 |
| Ag | 25.4/1 | 1 |
| W | 25.4/1 | 1 |
Figure 18. This figure shows the output spectrum of the Mini-X-Ag at 40 kV unfiltered, and filtered with 80 mils (2 mm) of aluminum (Al). In the unfiltered spectrum, a large fraction of brehmstrahlung counts are at low energy (between 5 and 15 keV), which are removed in the filtered spectrum.
Figrue 19. Shows spectra measured from a lead target using the unfiltered and filtered tube. With no filter, the lead characteristic X-rays are superimposed on a large background of scattered X-rays. With a filter, the signal to background ratio is significantly improved. This will reduce the measurement uncertainty in these lines. Notice how the L-gamma line is much more visible in the filtered spectrum than in the un-filtered.
The Mini-X is provided with a collimator to facilitate its use in XRF applications. It consists of a brass collimator with an aluminum (Al) insert and a cover that screws into the Mini-X. The collimator has a 2 mm diameter hole. A brass safety plug is also provided which, when installed, reduces the flux from an operating tube to less than 2.5 mrem/hr at 5 cm away in accordance with Requirements 5.2.2.1.1 and 5.2.2.2.2 of the NBS Handbook for Radiation Safety for X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment.
 Figure 20. Mini-X collimator and safety plug. |
 Figure 21a. Mini-X with safety plug installed. |
 Figure 21b. Mini-X with safety plug installed. |
 Figure 22. Nickel plated brass collimator cover mechanical dimensions (mils/mm). | ||
 Figure 23. Mini-X mechanical dimensions (in. [mm]). |
The Mini-X Is intended to generate x-ray radiation during normal operation. The Mini-X has been designed to focus radiation in the designated output direction, however radiation in other directions is possible and should be addressed with shielding and/or monitoring in the final application.
This device produces X-Rays when energized. To be operated only by qualified personnel.
Radiation levels external to the X-ray tube housing with the brass safety plug ON do not exceed 2.5 mrem/h measured 5 cm from the surface of the housing in accordance with Requirements 5.2.2.1.1 and 5.2.2.2.2 of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Handbook for Radiation Safety for X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment.
For more information please see the NBS Handbook.
The Mini-X can be configured with a standard conflat for vacuum applications.
Figure 24. Mini-X and XR100 with vacuum couplings.
Complete XRF System 1
Complete XRF System 1 Includes |
Complete XRF System 2
Complete XRF System 2 Includes |
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See the Experimenter's XRF Kit.
CAUTION: The Mini-X is only one component of an X-ray instrument. It is the responsibility of the user, the OEM customer, or experimenter to provide a fail safe metal enclosure to prevent escaping radiation while using this product. The final product (turn-key system) must comply with local government regulations to protect personnel from exposure to radiation. Amptek Inc., bears no responsibility for the incorrect use of this product.
Revised December 11, 2009
