ECRX, a plasma source for generating high energy x-ray

If properly run, electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source is known to generate X-rays over a wide range of energy. ECR source is a plasma generated by heating electrons with micro waves, that have the same frequency as the cyclotron frequency of the electrons in a magnetic field. In this reported work, we use the principle of magnetic bottle. The device works with a 2kW microwave generator at 2.45 Ghz, which corresponds to a magnetic resonance field of 0.0875 Tesla ( omega
_c
= qB/ m ) that is generated by two permanent magnets. The working pressure is 1-20 mPa of argon. Spectral study allows to characterize X ray energy, depending on discharge parameter. Compared to conventional system, the main advantage of this device is the production of high energy photons, without high voltage power supply. Applications will be various from medical, like radiological, sterilisation and non destructive industrial control. The paper presents the spectral study of the X-ray source for different pressure and power conditions and preliminary results obtained with inserting solid target inside the reactor.