Electron Beam Diagnostics Using X-Rays

Abstract

The X-ray spatial distribution produced by an electron beam hitting a high Z target has been used as a diagnostic for many years. Quite early in the development of very short pulse X-ray systems we used it to provide indications of the spot diameter and, a little later, the mean angle of incidence of the electrons at the anode. Physics International in particular have used the whole X-ray field to check electron flux and mean angle as a function of radius across the cathode, using low Z material to map the front surface dose and high Z to map the intermediate field, during the Aurora programme. Cornell have employed both framing and streak camera techniques to give a time-resolved pattern of the electron flux at the anode. Sandia Laboratory, Albuquerque, have used polar diagram diagnostics on Hermes II and have also used the spectral content of the X-ray flux to obtain time-resolved data on the energy of the original electron beam in the diode.

SSWA/JCM/714/162 AFWL Radiation Production Notes Note 10 April 1971 Editor’s Note: Several figures in this section have been renumbered to allow sequencing with the text.