X-ray flash techniques

Abstract

The author examines the problems of X-ray flash production and its applications, similar to those of continuous X-radiation. Special problems are the fast production of high X-ray intensities to produce detectable radiation and the high-voltage and high-current discharge circuits required. Anode voltages from some 10 kV to about 1 MV and currents up to 10 kA are normal for laboratory equipment, but 100 MV and 1 MA are possible. The flash time is mostly between 10 ns and 1 mu s. Cineradiography with frame rates up to 10⁶ pictures s^-1 can be achieved.