COOL-XX-Ray Generator

When heated, a pyroelectric crystal exhibits spontaneous decrease of polarization. Hence, as the temperature increases, an electric field develops across the crystal. For a specific crystal orientation (-Z face pointing to the target), the top surface of the crystal gets positively charged and attracts electrons from the low pressure gas in the environment. As the electrons impinge on the surface of the crystal, they produce characteristic x-rays (Ta) as well as bremsstrahlung x-rays (see figure 1). When the cooling phase starts, the spontaneous polarization increases, and the electrons from the top surface of the crystal are accelerated towards the Cu target which is at ground potential. At this part of the cycle, Cu characteristic x-rays are produced as well as bremsstrahlung x-rays (see figure 2). When the crystal temperature reaches its low point, the heating phase starts again. The cycle time of the COOL-X can be varied from 2 to 5 minutes.

Figure 3 shows the typical x-ray spectrum of the COOL-X obtained from the sum of 300 cycles with the dominant 8 keV peak and the bremsstrahlung continuum. Figure 4 shows a typical COOL-X output count rate as a function of time for several heating and cooling phases. The x-ray flux varies throughout the cycle and may vary from cycle to cycle, see figure 4.

Figure 6. Amptek offers a version of the COOL-X without the tantalum (Ta) lines in the spectrum. This is the output spectrum without the Ta lines. Only the copper (Cu) lines are seen. This spectrum shape is similar to a traditional X-ray tube. This is the accumulation of 90 complete cycles.

References

J.D. Brownridge and S. Raboy “Investigations of pyroelectric generation of X-rays” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 86, No. 1, July 1999.

Hiroyuki Ida and Jun Kawai “Portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer with a pyroelectric x-ray generator,” X-Ray Spectrometry, 34: 225-229, 2005.

CAUTION: The COOL-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.

Lifetime of the COOL-X

When not in use, power to the COOL-X should be turned OFF. The COOL-X is not designed for continuous operation, therefore its lifetime will depend on how it is used.

If used intermittently, for about 1-3 hours per day, the estimated lifetime of the COOL-X can be extended to well over 1000 hours. Continuous use of the COOL-X will shorten its lifetime to approximately 200 hours. 

COOL-X Controller System

The Controller is enclosed inside the metal box. The function of the Controller is to supply power to the X-ray generator, monitor its temperature, and automatically change the heating and cooling phases of the cycle. Both a 9 V AC adapter and a 9 V battery are included. The battery will provide approximately 6 hours of operation.

Radiation Precautions

The COOL-X is intended to generate x-ray radiation during normal operation. Radiation from all directions is possible and should be addressed with shielding and/or monitoring in the final application. To be operated only by qualified personnel.

The maximum radiation at the peak of the heating or cooling cycle, at a distance of 10 cm is approximately 5 mSv/hr (500 mR/hr). The peak counting rate at a distance of 10 cm is approximately 200,000 counts/cm2/s. Approximately 75% of these x-rays are low energy below 10 keV.

Radiation Levels 

Radiation levels external to the X-ray tube housing with the brass safety plug ON do not exceed 25 µS/h (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.

• Portable x-ray instrumentation
• Teaching laboratories
• Instrument calibration
• Radiography (X-Ray Film Imaging)
• Research

The Amptek Cool-X X-Ray Generator has been selected for the R&D 100 Award by the independent judging panel and editors of R&D Magazine as one of the year’s most technologically significant products (July, 2003).

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectra with the COOL-X

All spectra taken with the XR-100CR X-Ray Detector and the MCA-8000A Multichannel Analyzer.

Radiography (x-ray film image)

Part of a mummified field mouse. The radiographic image was produced with the COOL-X X-Ray Generator over three cycles at a distance of 10 cm.

Image courtesy of James D. Brownridge, State University of New York at Binghamton.