Compact Coherent X-Ray Source (CCXS)

Technology

The invention emits coherent radiation by first generating and transmitting an array of discrete electron beamlets from a nanocathode array along a longitudinal axis. Subsequently, an array of electron beamlets is focused to reduce the spacing that separates the electron beamlets. The transverse-axis spacing of the electron beamlets is then transferred to the longitudinal axis via an emittance exchange beamline, creating a periodically modulated distribution of coherent electronic current. The coherent electronic current can then be directed into a stream of photons to generate coherent x-ray radiation.

Problem Addressed

Current methods of x-ray generation include bremsstrahlung x-rays from a tube, inverse Compton scattering in either a small linear accelerator or via synchrotrons, and x-ray free electron lasers. These methods are either non-coherent, inefficient, or too expensive. Therefore, there is a need for a high-performance x-ray source that is coherent, inexpensive, and efficient.

Advantages

• The invention uses reduced electron energy, thus it is smaller in size and cheaper than current x-ray generation methods.
• It can generate high-performance x-rays similar to those produced by large synchrotron facilities and FELs.
• It has improved spatial resolution over conventional radiography.