Abstract

A new small-sized soft x-ray source of 0.2-2-keV range is described. The soft x-ray source consists of electron gun, focusing electrode, and anticathode. The electron gun is ceramic-to-metal vacuum seal. The anticathode is made from a stainless tube and cooled by tap water. The target can be fixed onto the top of the stainless tube and can be easily exchanged. It is usually made by Cu. Al, or C for receiving the different wavelengths. The x-ray source spot can be adjusted by moving the stainless tube along its axis of operation. The diameter of the x-ray source is ~1 mm. The material of the x-ray output window is 1-μm thick polypropylene film, using Ni mesh, which transmits 80% of the radiation, to support it. Thus we get the high soft x-ray intensity. The total power is 1-2 kW. The tests we did with this source included determining the detective quantum efficiency of detectors; measuring the reflectivity of x-ray mirrors; and measuring the transmittivity of windows. These data are important in the study of space astronomical instruments.

© 1991 Optical Society of America