A Fractional Microsecond X‐Ray Pulse Generator for Studying High Explosive Phenomena

An x‐ray pulse generator capable of producing short bursts of x‐rays not greater than 3×10−7 seconds in duration has been constructed. These short bursts are obtained by supplying a negative 50 kv, 12.5 Joule trigger pulse to the cathode shield of a standard Westinghouse W.L. 389 flash x‐ray tube. This pulse generates a pre‐discharge plasma in the tube which blocks the main 100 kv, 290 Joule pulse until the cathode to anode gap impedance is lowered by ionization. An arrangement is also described whereby 3 separate, successive radiographs of a single detonation may be taken at predetermined time intervals.