Cylindrical Reflex Triode Warm X-Ray Source

Cylindrical reflex triodes (CRTs) driven by a pulsed power generator can produce relatively low-endpoint X-ray spectra (~250 keV) that can be suitable for certain radiation-matter interaction studies. CRTs have several advantages over other reflex triode configurations, the most significant being the ability to operate multiple concentric CRTs, connected either in parallel or in series. Such configurations can result in increased X-ray output without increasing the endpoint or changing the pulsed-power generator. This article describes results from, and modeling of, experiments employing a single CRT and two CRTs in a series configuration. The modeling includes an analytic, physics-based model of CRT electrical operation; measured and calculated radiation distributions and spectra; and predicted effects of several configuration variations.