Abstract: The present application provides a bipolar x-ray tube module. The bipolar x-ray tube module may include a bipolar x-ray tube and at least two voltage multipliers. The voltage multipliers may be positioned such that the voltage gradient of the first voltage multiplier is substantially parallel to the second voltage multiplier in order to provide a compact configuration.

Abstract: An x-ray system is disclosed that includes a bipolar x-ray tube. The bipolar x-ray tube includes two insulators that are separated by an intermediate electrode in an embodiment, wherein each insulator forms a portion of an outer wall of a vacuum envelope of the bipolar x-ray tube surrounding at least a portion of a path of an electron beam within the vacuum envelope. In further embodiments, the bipolar x-ray tube includes a first electrode at a positive high voltage potential with respect to a reference potential, a second electrode at a negative high voltage potential with respect to the reference potential, and an x-ray transmissive window that is at the positive high voltage potential.

Abstract: An x-ray system is disclosed that includes a bipolar x-ray tube. The bipolar x-ray tube includes two insulators that are separated by an intermediate electrode in an embodiment, wherein each insulator forms a portion of an outer wall of a vacuum envelope of the bipolar x-ray tube surrounding at least a portion of a path of an electron beam within the vacuum envelope. In further embodiments, the bipolar x-ray tube includes a first electrode at a positive high voltage potential with respect to a reference potential, a second electrode at a negative high voltage potential with respect to the reference potential, and an x-ray transmissive window that is at the positive high voltage potential.

Abstract: Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.

Abstract: Described is a self-contained, small, lightweight, power-efficient and radiation-shielded module that includes a miniature vacuum X-ray tube emitting X-rays of a controlled intensity and defined spectrum. Feedback control circuits are used to monitor and maintain the beam current and voltage. The X-ray tube, high-voltage power supply, and the resonant converter are encapsulated in a solid high-voltage insulating material. The module can be configured into complex geometries and can be powered by commercially available small, compact, low-voltage batteries.

Abstract: An x-ray tube emits X-rays in response to a current control signal. An X-ray detector detects the emitted X-rays and provides a detected X-ray signal indicative thereof to a control system, which provides the current control signal. The X-ray detector provides feedback stabilization of the X-ray output from a source of X-rays, such as, for example an X-ray tube. The detector produces an electrical signal proportional to the X-ray output of the X-ray tube, and that signal is used to control the electron beam current in the tube in order to stabilize the X-ray output of the tube at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply includes a current source that provides a continuous current signal, and a switching circuit that includes a plurality of switching elements. The switching circuit is responsive to the continuous current signal, and provides an alternating current signal. The power supply also includes a multiplier-rectifier circuit with at least one loading inductor, and having an input responsive to said alternating current signal to provide a rectified output signal. The switching circuit may be configured and arranged as an H-bridge circuit. The input of the multiplier-rectifier circuit is short circuited every half cycle of the alternating current signal during the transition from positive to negative current flow (or visa-versa).

Abstract: An interface for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an accelerator mass spectrometer which comprises a nebulizer that receives the non-gaseous sample to provide a fine spray of the sample, a converter that receives at least a portion of said fine spray and converts the desired elements to the predetermined gaseous form and a flow line that transports the predetermined gaseous form to the accelerator mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An interface system for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an analytical instrument which comprises a substrate that receives the non-gaseous sample and a directed energy source that heats at least a portion of said substrate containing the non-gaseous sample to convert the sample to the predetermined gaseous form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ion beam generation in which acceleration of an ion beam in a first accelerating tube to a high voltage terminal, followed by transport of the beam through the terminal without significant charge changing, and deceleration of the beam substantially to ground potential in a second accelerating tube. Since the terminal is maintained at high voltage, the beam optical characteristics between the ion source and the terminal are identical to those of normal tandem operation. The optical elements of the injector and accelerator beamline can therefore be adjusted to produce an focused beam envelope in the high voltage terminal, allowing the beam to propagate efficiently through an empty stripper canal. Since the beam, does not undergo a charge change in the terminal, it is decelerated in the second tandem accelerating tube. Since the beam propagates through the accelerator at energies higher than the injection energy, expansion of the beam due to space charge and emittance is reduced.

Abstract: A miniature x-ray unit includes a first electrical node, a second electrical node and an insulating material. The first and second nodes are separated by a vacuum gap. The first node includes a base portion and a projecting portion, wherein the projecting portion and the second node are surrounded by an x-ray transmissive window through which x-rays exit the unit. The insulating material coaxially surrounds the base portion of the first node such that the insulating material is recessed from the vacuum gap, and the insulator does not extend into the vacuum gap. Recessing the insulating material from the vacuum gap decreases the likelihood that the insulator will electrically break down due to the accumulation of electrical charge, and/or the accumulation of other materials on the surface of the insulator. In a preferred embodiment, the first node is an anode and the second node is a cathode. Alternatively, the first node may be the cathode and the second node may be the anode.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided an application of the .sup.10 B(n,.alpha.).sup.7 Li nuclear reaction or other neutron capture reactions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This application, called Boron Neutron Capture Synovectomy (BNCS), requires substantially altered demands on neutron beam design than for instance treatment of deep seated tumors. Considerations for neutron beam design for the treatment of arthritic joints via BNCS are provided for, and comparisons with the design requirements for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of tumors are made. In addition, exemplary moderator/reflector assemblies are provided which produce intense, high-quality neutron beams based on (p,n) accelerator-based reactions. In another embodiment there is provided the use of deuteron-based charged particle reactions to be used as sources for epithermal or thermal neutron beams for neutron capture therapies. Many d,n reactions (e.g.