X-ray generator device with improved field emission
A high energy radiation device may include a band and/or contact rod with surface properties to enhance field emissions or otherwise assist in control of x-ray generation.
1. An x-ray generation device, comprising:
a housing for maintaining a low fluid pressure environment;
a contact material within the housing;
a band including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface in frictional contact with the contact material; and
an electron target proximate a location of frictional contact between the band and the contact material, the electron target outside an area defined by the band;
wherein the outer surface of the band includes a textured surface including a plurality of surface discontinuities.
2. The x-ray generation device of claim 1 , wherein the contact material includes a portion of a surface comprising a low Z material.
3. The x-ray generation device of claim 1 , wherein the electron target comprises an electrically conductive material.
4. The x-ray generation device of claim 1 , wherein the electron target comprises a low Z material with a coating of an electrically conductive material.
5. The x-ray generation device of claim 1 , further comprising a tensioner and a drive roller, with the band looped around the tensioner and the drive roller.
6. The x-ray generation device of claim 5 , wherein the tensioner is configured to apply a tension between 0.1 Newtons and 20 Newtons to the band.
7. The x-ray generation device of claim 5 , wherein the drive roller is operable at a speed between 100 revolutions per minute and 20000 revolutions per minute.
8. The x-ray generation device of claim 1 , wherein the contact material comprises a contact rod.
9. An x-ray generation device, comprising:
a housing for maintaining a low fluid pressure environment;
a contact material within the housing;
a band including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface in frictional contact with the contact material; and
an electron target proximate a location of frictional contact between the band and the contact material, the electron target outside an area defined by the band;
wherein the outer surface of the band includes a textured surface,
wherein the textured surface comprises carbon nanotubes.
10. The x-ray generation device of claim 5 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are embedded in a polyimide matrix.
11. The x-ray generation device of claim 5 , wherein the carbon nanotubes comprise multi-walled carbon nanotubes.