Optimization of e-beam and x-ray target geometry of a solid x-ray anode source

Sammanfattning: The X-ray tube is one of the most common types of X-ray sources, which is widely used in research laboratories and industry. Electrons are accelerated towards a metallic target to generate X-ray photons, thus creating a significant thermal load on the metal. In order to reduce the risk of damage, some techniques, such as the focus line principle or the installation of a very thin target, are implemented in most cases. In addition, the geometry of the target is chosen to maximise the amount of X-rays for the intended application. The aim of this thesis is to investigate how the incident angle of the electron beam, consequence of the line focus principle, and the thickness of the target influence the total photon yield of the source. Monte Carlo simulations of electron/photon transport have been made with a modified version of the PENELOPE program using a novel variance reduction technique. The results from the calculations are validated with experiments conducted with a prototype source, in the laboratory of Excillum AB. Since thermal capabilities and X-ray yield have opposite dependence on target angle and thickness, by combining the thermal results from Sara Högnad$\acute{\mathrm{o}}$ttir's thesis and the ones produced in this thesis, it is possible to isolate an optimal configuration of the source. In this geometry, the best compromise between high brightness and high maximum allowed power is found.