Mini-X X-ray tube

Mini-X is a stand-alone miniature system that includes an X-ray tube, a high-voltage module, and a USB controller. It is designed for X-ray fluorescence analysis - XRF.

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Peculiarities

50 kV/80 µA
USB Controlled
Stable output
Rapidity
Low power
Compactness

Applications

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis
Portable systems
OEM
Process management
Research and Education

Mini-X is the first self-contained, miniature X-ray system of its kind that includes an X-ray tube, power supply, control electronics and a USB connection to a computer. It is an alternative to the use of radioisotopes in X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Mini-X was designed to simplify the XRF process by providing ease of operation. All that is required is a USB connection to a PC and an AC adapter. A flashing red LED and a beep alert the user that X-rays are being emitted.

Voltage on the tube	From 10 to 50 kV
Tube current	5 µA min. / 200 mA max see figure 2 below
Continuous output power	4W at 100% load see figure 2 below
Window material	Beryllium (Be)
Window thickness	127 microns
Focal spot size	Approximately 2 mm
Exit cone angle	120° (see figures 6 and 7)
Cooling	Air cooled
High voltage stability	<0.1%
Radiation level at a distance of 5 cm with protection installed	<5 µSv/h (0.5 mrem/h)
Power consumption	9 W at 50 kV and 80 µA
Input voltage	12V DC (adapter included)
Control	USB, mini-USB connector (cable included)
Time of establishment	Usually <1 second
Weight	360 grams
Humidity	From 30 to 90% non-condensing
Operating temperature range	-10°C to 50°C
Storage temperature range	-25°C to 60°C
Safety management and indicators	1) external blocking 2) signal LED 3) sound signal
Software	Mini-X control software for voltage and current monitoring (see Figure 3). Mini-X API for custom applications programming.
Guarantee	For a period of one year or 2000 hours, whichever comes first

4W voltage curve.

Figure: USB software interface. Allows the user to set voltage and current, as well as control their parameters.

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Fig. Relative output spectra: targets taken at 45.7 cm,
with a 2 mm diameter collimator on the mini-X, 1 mm diameter collimator on the detector, and 50 kV/1 µA .

Fig. 8. Mini-X angular sensitivity, 120°.

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Fig. 9. Mini-X. Radiation output angle 120°.

NOTE: When using 2mm collimator, the angle is 5°.

The spectra above are not normalized (i.e. not taken at the same current for the same time, etc.). They are provided only to show the shape of the spectrum and to demonstrate how a filter can be used to produce a specific beam. Note that any use of a filter reduces the output flux. The higher the Z of the filter material or the thicker the filter, the less flux will be available. To compensate for this, the X-ray tube current must be raised.

The spectra above were obtained with an Amptek XR-100T-CdTe detector and a PX4 pulse processor, and mini-X tubes. The spectra show dips at 26.7 and 31.8 keV. These are the K absorption edges of Cd and Te . Software was used to correct for the escape peaks generated in the detector.

The following filters are equipped with mini-X tubes:

Material	Thickness (µm/mils)
Al	1016/40
Al	254/10
Cu	25.4/1
Mo	25.4/1
W	25.4/1

Why should you use a filter on your x-ray tube?

A filter on an X-ray tube improves the signal-to-background ratio for the characteristic X-ray peaks that need to be measured. The tube produces X-rays over a wide range of energies, including low-energy X-rays and characteristic X-rays from the target. This radiation blurs the peaks that need to be measured. A filter absorbs lower-energy X-rays that interfere with the measurement of the desired X-rays, thereby improving the signal-to-background ratio.

The mini-X is equipped with two collimators to facilitate its use in XRF applications. They are made of brass and aluminum and a cover and are built into the body of the mini-X. The collimators have holes of 1 and 2 mm in diameter.

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Fig. 22. Mini-X collimator and tips for radiation safety.

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Fig. 23. Mini-X with tip installed.

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Fig. 24. Mini-X with collimator installed.

Mechanical characteristics, dimensions

Fig. 25. Mini-X overall dimensions (inches [mm]).

Attention

This device produces x-rays when voltage is applied. Only qualified personnel should operate it.

Radiation levels

The radiation level from the X-ray tube with the brass safety connector installed is not more than 25 µSv/h (2.5 mrem/h), measured at a distance of 5 cm from the housing surface in accordance with the requirements of 5.2.2.1.1 and 5.2.2.2 of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS).

For more information, see the NBS Guide.

Examples of shielding (which corresponds to above standard)