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(11) | EP 0 058 137 A3 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Apparatus for providing X-rays |
| (57) Apparatus for providing X-rays (11) to an object (12) in air. A lens (13) directs
energy (14) from a laser (27) onto a target (15) to produce X-rays (11) of a selected
spectrum and intensity. A substantially fluid-tight first enclosure (16) around the
target (15) has a pressure therein substantially below atmospheric pressure, and has
at least a portion of one wall (19) in common with an adjoining substantially fluid-tight
second enclosure (18) containing only helium or hydrogen. The common wall portion
(19) has an opening (20) large enough to permit X-rays (11) to pass through and yet
small enough that gas (21) can be evacuated from the first enclosure (16) at least
as fast as it enters through the opening (20). The target (15) is located close to
the opening (20) and emits a substantial portion of the X-rays (11) through the opening
(20) and on toward a wall (22) of the second enclosure (18) having a portion (25)
that is highly transparent to them, so that the object (12) to which the X-rays (11)
are to be provided may be located outside the second enclosure (18) and adjacent thereto
and thus receive the X-rays (11) substantially unimpeded by air or other undesired
intervening matter. |