Miniature X- Ray Source

Mini–X

Mini–X is a self-contained, miniature X-ray tube system, which includes theX-ray tube, high voltage power supply and USB controller. Designed for X-ray
fluorescence analysis applications - XRF.

Features• 50 kV / 80 μA• Ag or Au target• USB controlled• Stable output• Fast• Low power• Small
Mini-X is the first of its kind; a self-contained, packaged, miniature X-ray tube system, which includes the X-ray tube, the power supply, the control electronics andthe USB communication to the computer. It is designed to replace radioisotopes
in X-ray fluorescence analysis applications.
Mini-X has been designed to simplify the XRF process by providing agrounded anode, variable current and voltage controlled via USB and ease of operation. It features a 50 kV/80 µA power supply, a gold (Au) or silver (Ag) transmission target, and a beryllium end window. It is designed for continuous operation
in industrial environments.
To further simplify the use of Mini-X an AC adaptor is provided to supply
the 12 VDC needed to power the system. The only connections needed to operatethe tube are a USB cable and AC adaptor. A flashing red LED and a beeper warns
the user when x-rays are present.

Applications• X-Ray Fluorescence(XRF) analysis• Portable systems• OEM• Process Control• Research• TeachingMini−X Output X-Ray Spectra
Ag Target @ 50 kV

Au Target @ 50 kVAg Κα

Au LαCountsCountsLog

Au Lβ

Ag Κβ

Au Lγ

Linear0510152025 30 35
Energy (keV)4045Log

5055

05101520Linear
25 30 35
Energy (keV)

4045

The Mini−X is based on the Newton Scientific Inc. miniature X-ray source.

AMPTEK INC. 14 DeAngelo Drive, Bedford, MA 01730-2204 U.S.A.

Tel: +1 (781) 275-2242

Fax: +1 (781) 275-3470

e-mail: sales@amptek.com www.amptek.com

5055

Mini−X Specifications
Target Material

Silver (Ag)Gold (Au)

Target Thickness

0.75 μm

1 μm

Tube Voltage

10 to 50 kV

10 to 50 kV

Tube Current

5 µA min. / 200 µA max.

5 µA min. / 200 µA max.

Approximate Dose Rate 10 Sv/h @ 30 cm

13 Sv/h @ 30 cm

Approximate Flux

10 counts per second/mm on the axis at adistance of 30 cm (50 keV/1 µA)

1.3x106 counts per second/mm2 on the axis at adistance of 30 cm (50 keV/1 µA)

Continuous Power

4 W max. @ 100% duty cycle

4 W max. @ 100% duty cycle

Window Material

Beryllium (Be); window at ground

Beryllium (Be); window at ground

Window Thickness

127 µm127 µm

Focal Spot Size

Approximately 2 mm

Approximately 2 mm

Output Cone Angle

120°

120°

Cooling

Air cooled

Air cooledHigh Voltage Stability< 0.03% RSD< 0.03% RSD

Leakage Radiation<5 µSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) at 5 cm with safety pluginstalled<5 µSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) at 5 cm with safety pluginstalled

Power Consumption

9 W at 50 kV and 80 µA

9 W at 50 kV and 80 µA

Input Voltage

12 VDC (AC adapter included), connector

12 VDC (AC adapter included), connector

ControlUSB, mini-USB connector (cable included)

USB, mini-USB connector (cable included

Setting Time

Typical < 1 second

Typical < 1 second

Weight

360 g

360 g

Humidity

30 to 90% (non condensing)

30 to 90% (non condensing)62

Operating Temperature -10 °C to +50 °C-10 °C to +50 °C

Storage Temperature-25 °C to +60 °C-25 °C to +60 °C

Safety Controls andIndicators

1) External hardware interlock2) Flashing LED
3) Beeper1) External hardware interlock2) Flashing LED
3) Beeper

SoftwareMini-X Control Software controls voltage andMini-X Control Software controls voltage andcurrent
current
Mini-X API for custom programming applications Mini-X API for custom programming applications

Warranty

One year or 2000 hours, whichever comes first

USB Software Interface. Allows the user to set
the voltage and current as well as monitor bothparameters.

One year or 2000 hours, whichever comes firstMini−X Mechanical Dimensions
120° X-Ray Cone

Dimensions in inches (mm)1.125 (28.6)
1.329 (33.7)
22˚

1.000 (25.4)

Be

7.276 (184.8)
5.821 (147.8)
5.598 (142.2)

Ø0.120 (Ø3.0)
2.063 (52.4)
2.283 (58.0)

Mini-X 120° cone.
NOTE: When using the 2 mm collimator,
the X-ray cone is 5°.
Mini-X Angular Response

Back panel connectors

100

Normalized Counts (%)

8060

PWR

USB

INTERLOCK X-RAYON

40

200-60Flashing LED/Beeper
X-Rays ON-50-40-30-20-10010Degrees

2030

405060Collimator and Safety PlugThe Mini-X is provided with a collimator to facilitate its use in XRF applications. It consists of a brass collimator with an aluminum(Al) insert and a cover that screws into the Mini-X. The collimator has a 2 mm diameter hole. The brass safety plug when installed,
reduces the flux from an.020/
Dimensions in mils/mm
operating tube to less than
0.51
2.5 mrem/h at 5 cm away inaccordance with Requirements 5.2.2.2.2 of the NBS
Handbook for Radiation.260/ .219/.250/.464/
Safety for X-Ray Diffraction
6.6
5.6
6.4
11.8
and Fluorescence Analysis
Equipment.

.443/11.3

Collimator cover mechanical dimensions (mils/mm).

Filters
There are many reasons to use filters on the x-ray tube. They can help eliminate low energy photons to create a clean background and they can filter
the characteristic lines of the tube’s target. Keep in mind that when any
filter is used it reduces the flux coming out of the tube. An Al filter reduces
the flux much less than a Mo or Ag filter. The higher the Z of the filter or
the thicker the filter, the less flux will be available. It is therefore necessary
to raise the current of the x-ray tube to compensate.
Please see http://www.amptek.com/minix.html for output spectra withvarious filters.

Filters Provided
MaterialThickness (μm/mils)# Provided

Al1016 / 40

5Al

254 / 105Cu

25.4 / 1

3

Mo

25.4 / 1

2

Ag

25.4 / 1

1

W

25.4 / 11

The Mini−X shown with the Amptek
XR-100CR X-Ray Detector and PX5 Digital
Pulse Processor.

The Mini−X mounted on MP1 with
X-123SDD.

The Mini−X and X-123SDD shownwith vacuum couplings.

Mini-X-OEM X-Ray Tube for XRF
The Mini-X-OEM X-ray tube is not the same as the Mini-X.
The Mini-X has a USB interface to control the voltage and current
through PC software. The Mini-X is an end-user, packaged device.
The Mini-X-OEM is controlled by user supplied analog voltages

Radiation Precautions
The Mini−X Is intended to generate x-ray radiation during normal operation. The Mini−X has been designed tofocus radiation in the designated output direction, however radiation in other directions is possible and should be
addressed with shielding and/or monitoring in the final application.
Radiation Levels external to the X-ray tube housing with the brass safety plug ON do not exceed 25 µS/h (2.5 mrem/h)measured 5 cm from the surface of the housing in accordance with Requirements 5.2.2.2.2 of the National Bureau ofStandards (NBS) Handbook for Radiation Safety for X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment.
Examples of Shielding (that comply with the above standard)
1 mm (0.040 inch) of Pb will result in radiation levels of 0.5 mrem/h.
6.35 mm (0.250 inch) of Fe will result in radiation levels of 0.5 mrem/h.
3.18 mm (0.125 inch) of Brass will result in radiation levels of 2.5 mrem/h.
The inside of the housing can also be lined with 3.18 mm (0.125 inch) of aluminum (Al) in order to absorb the XRF fromthe shielding material.

Caution

The Mini-X is only one component of an X-ray instrument. It is the responsibility of the user, the OEM customer, orexperimenter to provide a fail safe metal enclosure to prevent escaping radiation while using this product. The finalproduct (turn-key system) must comply with local government regulations to protect personnel from exposure toradiation. Amptek Inc., bears no responsibility for the incorrect use of this product.

CautionThis device produces X-Rays when energized. To be operated only by qualified personnel.

AMPTEK INC. 14 DeAngelo Drive, Bedford, MA 01730-2204 U.S.A.

Tel: +1 (781) 275-2242

Fax: +1 (781) 275-3470

e-mail: sales@amptek.com www.amptek.com