Experimental studies on a compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma x-ray source

A compact electron cyclotron resonance plasma x-ray source, which has a pot ential use for medical imaging is presented in this article. In this articl e, the experimental system and the characterization studies on plasma and x ray are presented. Using a Langmuir probe, the plasma parameters are measu red for different magnetic field profiles and gas pressures. The x-ray spec trum is obtained for various gas pressures and magnetic field profiles. In the x-ray spectrum, the Bremstrahlung radiation, peaking at 20-60 keV is ob served and the final energy of the x ray is extended up to similar to 200 k eV. Thermo luminescence dosimeter (CaSO4 sample) is used for estimating the dose at the port and these results are presented for typical x-ray spectra . Using a teletector, the dose at the port for various coil current is meas ured and these are compared with the estimated dose obtained from the x-ray spectrum. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(99)05006-6].