Development and imaging test of small electron induction accelerator main control system

Abstract

BackgroundBetatrons are widely used in non-destructive testing, cargo and vehicle safety inspection systems.PurposeThis study aims to develop a mian control system of electron induction accelerator for the domestic production of small size betatron, and evaluate its imaging performance. Main control system was developed, including excitation power circuit, electron injection circuit, electron capture circuit and electron displacement circuit.MethodsThe inductor-capacitor parallel (LC) resonant circuit composed of excitation winding and capacitor bank was employed for excitation power circuit to generate a magnetic field that accelerates electrons steadily at the air gap of the electromagnet. The electron gun was applied to electron injection circuit for providing the electron source, and pulling the electron into the acceleration cavity. The electron capture efficiency was improved by a pulse assisted magnetic generated by field electron capture circuit, and the pulsed magnetic field was applied to the electron displacement circuit to instantaneously increase the central magnetic flux for deflecting the electron beam from the equilibrium orbit to the target to produce bremsstrahlung radiation.ResultsThe test results show that the generated X-ray steel penetration reaches 276 mm, the air wire detectability is 2 mm, the spatial resolution is 3 mm, and the contrast sensitivity meets the imaging requirements.ConclusionsThe developed control system and radiator can satisfy cargo and vehicles radiographic inspection system.

Keywords

• betatrons
• bremsstrahlung
• x-ray
• cargo and vehicles radiographic inspection system