Characterization of a novel x-ray source: The MIRRORCLE-6X system

MIRRORCLE is a tabletop synchrotron light source being investigated within an EC funded project named LABSYNC. To evaluate the potential of this novel x-ray source for medical imaging applications, a set of measurements was performed at the MIRRORCLE factory in Japan. In particular, the aim of this work was to characterize the proposed compact x-ray source by determining different parameters, such as the intensity of the broad spectra produced with thin wire targets, the size of the focal spot and its distribution.The average electron-beam impact current on wire targets was calculated by several methods and it was demonstrated to be in the range 0.5–1.0μA. By comparing these values with data available for conventional x-ray tubes, the current needed to achieve the same fluence as in a standard diagnostic examination was estimated to be about 0.1–0.5 mA. Finally, results from the measurements of the electron-beam impact cross-section on the target suggested that the diameter of the electron beam circulating in the storage ring is about 6 mm.