SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
A LOW POWER, HIGH INTENSITY X-RAY POINT SOURCE
Technical Abstract:
This SBIR project will determine the feasibility of developing a
compact, inexpensive, efficient source of x rays that is low power,
but bright with high luminosity and can be modulated spatially and
temporally. The proposed source is rugged and can be used in
harsh, remote environments. The source consists of a field emission
cathode array and a metallic target. Electrons are accelerated
toward and focussed to a small spot on the target, producing high
brightness x-rays at low power. The use of field emission cathodes
allows changing targets to obtain different characteristic x-ray
lines without worrying about cathode contamination. It also allows
targets made of several metals allowing spectral modulation. Field
emission cathode arrays produce high current densities at higher
efficiencies than thermionic cathodes. Filament cathodes produce
light and heat, limiting their efficiency. Field emission cathodes
developed for flat panel displays are electronically addressable.
Thus, electron sources that can be scanned and pulsed are
commercially available. The research objective is to show the
feasibility by testing and characterizing these field emitter
arrays. The source will then be breadboarded and characterized.
Potential Commercial Applications:
A versatile x-ray point source will enable development of a new
class of x-ray analytical instruments inexpensive, reliable,
compact and high performance ideal for environmental testing,
quality control, x-ray imaging, space flight and planetary
exploration vehicles. Advanced x-ray optics and detectors could
lead to a portable medical x-ray diagnostic system. Commercial
applications include evaluating gemstones and forensic analysis.
MOXTEK will have an immediate market with OEM customers who sell
analytical instruments.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Moxtek, Inc. 452 W. 1260 N. Orem, UT 84057
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996