CHARACTERISTICS OF A NOVEL X-RAY-DETECTOR FOR REAL-TIME RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING

New detectors for fast, real-time, high resolution X-ray imaging at hi gh photon fluxes are described. A thin solid photoconverter is coupled to a multistage gaseous electron multiplier operating at low pressure . The readout electronics connected to the wire electrodes of the cham ber provides two-dimensional localization of single registered photons . Prototype detectors were tested with Csl, Ag and Ta converters in th e photon energy range of 8-60 keV. Radiographic digital images are pre sented and compared to that of X-ray films. It is shown that compared to the film technique the secondary electron emission detector provide s radiographic images of an equivalent contrast at an order of magnitu de lower exposure. This novel type of detector is suited for static an d dynamic in-line quality control on industrial production lines and f or medical imaging.