A microfocus x-ray source based on a nonmetal liquid-jet anode

We demonstrate stable operation of a nonmetallic anode in an electron-impact x-ray source. A high-brightness electron beam is focused on a ∼70m∕s speed, ∼10μm diameter methanol jet producing stable x-ray emission with peak spectral brightness at ∼5.4×105photons∕(s×μm2×sr×0.1%BW). The jet is fully evaporated in the interaction point. The shape of a simulated spectrum using Monte Carlo methods shows good agreement with experimental data, and the theoretical brightness values give an upper limit for the achievable x-ray emission from jets with very high velocities. Using this anode concept, all compounds and elements found in liquid form are potentially usable for x-ray generation.

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