Cold Cathode Radiation Sources

The proposed Flat panel X-ray Sources (FPXS) use cold cathode arrays lithographically formed on the exit window to emit hundred of thousands of e-beams towards a broad X-ray target. The X-rays thus generated emit out past the cathode arrays and the exit window. Since the X-ray flux is generated across a wide area it can be directed locally and directly towards objects to be sterilized, such as blood packets or medical products, either at the factory or in a hospital. Local generation of the X-rays allows the use of much safer anode voltages on the order of 150 kV or lower. Self-shielding, electrical, non-radioactive systems can be built using the FPXS panels to replace Ce-137 blood sterilizers and Co-60 medical products sterilization plants.