Electron Field Emission Particle-In-Cell (PIC) Coupled with MCNPX Simulation of a CNT-Based Flat-Panel X-Ray Source
Abstract
A novel x-ray source based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) field emitters is being developed as an alternative for medical imaging diagnostic technologies. The design is based on an array of millions of micro sized x-ray sources similar to the way pixels are arranged in flat panel displays. The trajectory and focusing characteristics of the field emitted electrons, as well as the x-ray generation characteristics of each one of the proposed micro-sized x-ray tubes are simulated. The electron field emission is simulated using the OOPIC PRO particle-in-cell code. The x-ray generation is analyzed with the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. MCNPX is used to optimize both the bremsstrahlung radiation energy spectra and to verify the angular distribution for 0.25-12 µm thick molybdenum, rhodium and tungsten targets. Also, different extracting, accelerating and focusing voltages, as well as different focusing structures and geometries of the micro cells are simulated using the OOPIC Pro particle-in-cell code. The electron trajectories, beam spot sizes, I-V curves, bremsstrahlung radiation energy spectra, and angular distribution are all analyzed for a given cell. The simulation results show that micro x-ray cells can be used to generate suitable electron currents using CNT field emitters and strike a thin tungsten target to produce an adequate bremsstrahlung spectrum. The shape and trajectory of the electron beam was modified using focusing structures in the microcell. Further modifications to the electron beam are possible and can help design a better x-ray transmission source.
Recommended Citation
E. J. Grant et al., "Electron Field Emission Particle-In-Cell (PIC) Coupled with MCNPX Simulation of a CNT-Based Flat-Panel X-Ray Source," Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE, SPIE, Jan 2011.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878292
Meeting Name
Medical Imaging 2011: Physics of Medical Imaging
Department(s)
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Keywords and Phrases
Bremsstrahlung; Carbon Nanotube (CNT); Field Emission; Flat-Panel X-Ray Source; MCNPX; Monte Carlo Simulation; OOPIC Pro; Particle-In-Cell (PIC); Transmission X-Ray
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2011 SPIE, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2011
