Flash x-ray tube for diffraction studies on a two-stage light-gas gun

Abstract
A flash x‐ray tube has been fabricated and has been driven by a Blumlein pulse generator to peak voltages of 60 to 80 kV and peak anode currents of 8 to 10 kA. The pulse width, dependent upon the anode‐cathode spacing, can be made ∼80‐ns wide, and a small spot or line focus is possible. These features make the device useful for flash x‐ray diffraction studies. Current in the diode region exceeds the calculated space‐charge limited values, probably because of neutralization of charge by plasma ejected from the cathode during the initial phase of the discharge.