Measuring the X-ray spectrum from a pulsed-power bremsstrahlung source using a differential absorption spectrometer

Author

Timothy K. Kotter

Date of Award

5-1993

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Major Professor

A.A. Mason

Committee Members

Richard M. Robderds

Abstract

X-ray energy spectra measurements were made of a pulsed-power bremsstrahlung source. The bremsstrahlung X-rays were driven by a high-power electron beam, with endpoint energy of 0.30 MeV, incident upon an aluminum-backed tantalum target. A differential absorption spectrometer was designed and built specifically to measure the spectrum over the energy range in question. A technical calibration procedure was outlined for the thermoluminescent dosimeters which are an integral part of the differential absorption spectrometer. Measurements were made, and the spectrum was determined using a spectral unfold algorithm, based on analytically-established response functions for each detector element in the spectrometer. Comparisons of the spectral measurements were made with theoretical and experimental bremsstrahlung spectra.

Recommended Citation

Kotter, Timothy K., "Measuring the X-ray spectrum from a pulsed-power bremsstrahlung source using a differential absorption spectrometer. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1993.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/11860