Knowledge buildup towards 320kV, lifetime extension and solid-anode versions of MetalJet x-ray tubes

Important results from the project

The goal of the project has been to generate the remaining knowledge needed to develop X-ray tubes based on Excillum´s MetalJet technology at increased acceleration voltages, 225-320 kV, and with increased lifetime compared to current MetalJet tubes and superior lifetime compared to competing solid-anode tubes. Since concepts have successfully been developed and evaluated within the project, Excillum stand prepared to continue with development of products based on those concepts.

Expected long term effects

The project has not directly resulted in new products, but as expected successfully developed the remaining knowledge needed within Excillum to, following the project, develop one or two new MetalJet X-ray tubes with long lifetime at high voltages. When resources are available we will therefore with high probability proceed and develop a family of MetalJet tubes with voltages from 160-320 kV. Market wise the increased voltage will allow for Excillum to sell MetalJet tubes to the market for industrial X-ray inspection.

Approach and implementation

The project was structured with two parallel tasks aiming at increased acceleration voltage and increased lifetime. The high voltage task evaluated how the electron optics have to be modified to operate at the high current densities needed at high voltages and how the high voltage parts in general have to be designed for high-voltage operation. The life-time task studied how cathode dynamics can be compensated for by electron optics. Towards the end of the project, experimental hardware was realized and successfully evaluated in the test bed that also was assembled within the project.