Step 1: Prepare your X-ray tubes

Performing routine service or maintenance like a quick anode and cathode exchange on a flash X-ray tube requires venting the tube. The easiest method for preparing your X-ray tubes is to mount them on the RPS30 Service Station – it’s a hands-on workstation. It only takes seconds, and then you’re ready to quickly configure and service your tubes. Depending upon your experiment, you can swap out anodes and cathodes to suit your needs. And if you use the RPS30 Service Station, you’ll gain not only the efficiency of having the right tools and parts at your fingertips, you’ll also benefit from the turbomolecular pump that allows you to rapidly establish the necessary high vacuum in up to four Flash X-ray tubes individually or simultaneously before activating each tubes’ integrated ion pump.

And for even more flexibility, get the IPPS30 Ion Pump Power Supply – a stand-alone power supply to maintain the ideal high vacuum in your flash X-ray tubes – great for storage!

Note that our MAT sources do not require pre-pumping.  Read more about our Multi-anode tubes and our Cinematic Imaging Detector.

Step 2: Place your pulser

Step 3: Place your flash X-ray tube

Step 4: Connect the cable between pulser and cabinet

Now pull the cable set from the control cabinet to the pulser and it’s time to begin connecting all fittings to both the cabinet and pulser. Remember, fittings need to be firm but only finger tight. Do not over tighten the fittings.

Scandiflash cables are delivered as pre-bundled sets and are wound onto easy-to-handle cable spools.

Tip: If you want to test connections and timing of your system at this point, you can use the resistive load supplied with each pulser. 

Step 5: Connect the ion pump cable

Now connect the ion pump cable between the cabinet and the X-ray tube. This supplies the necessary power to keep the ion pump continuously actvated and maintain the pristine high vacuum. 

Tip: Continuous activation of the ion pump protects your tube from contamination. This is the ideal state for both storage and during experimentation.

Step 6: Connect the high voltage cable

Now you’re ready to connect the high voltage cable between the cabinet and the X-ray tube. Remember to finger-tighten only.

Step 7: Place your detector to capture the dynamic event

You’re nearly ready to run your experiment! Whether you are using a Single Image Detector or a Cinematic Imaging Detector, now it’s time to place your image detector so that it’s positioned to capture the dynamic event.

When positioning your image detector, it’s important to consider the distance between your test subject and the detector. The closer the subject is to the detector, the sharper the captured image. However, in scenarios dealing with subjects that rupture or create debris, there is a higher risk of damaging the detector when it is too close to the subject.

Tip: Read this article for some inspiration on how to protect your image detector, Helte et al, Defence Technology 15 (2019) 786e795.

And when you need to capture multiple dynamic moments in time at a single fixed location, you can unleash the power of high-speed X-ray cinematography with CID – our Cinematic Imaging Detector. Our engineers have perfected and combined the necessary core elements while wrapping them up in a flexible and highly functional housing to provide you with a seamless solution that enhances your research.

Read more about our Cinematic Imaging Detector

Read more about your options for image detectors

Step 8: Flash your system to get the image

After you’ve followed all necessary safety protocols, it’s time to flash your system and see what’s happening inside your dynamic event!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support, safety equipment and system accessories to make running your experiments as smooth as possible.