Compact, Laser-driven, High-Energy X-ray Source for High-resolution NDE with X-ray Imaging and Computed Tomography

Phase 1 proposal to accelerate the development of a compact, laser-driven, High-energy X-ray (HEX-ray) source for high-resolution NDE with X-ray imaging and Computed Tomography. The Innovation • HEX-rays in the MeV range can be produced with compact laser systems • Using laser generated X-rays, CT-scans with 100 μm resolu-tion have been demonstrated with high laser intensity on tar-get • We generated an laser-driven HEX-ray spectrum similar to that of an 800 keV X-ray tube at 100X lower laser intensity than previously reported • The HEX-ray generation at low laser intensity allows scaling the technology into the kW average power regime RIC proposes deploying SBIR funds to dedicate labor, equipment and cleanroom facility to execute a rapid Phase 1 characterization and measurement campaign to prove commercial feasibility of RIC laser-driven HEX-ray source. This project aims to demonstrate a range of Laser-driven High-Energy X-ray Source’s advantages, including: • 1-2 MeV X-rays for better object penetration and CT with lower absorption artifacts • 10-100X higher brilliance than any other lab source • 10 μm source size for X-ray energies <100 keV • 100 μm source size for X-ray energies 1 – 2 MeV • Compact source head for “inside-out” imaging • More compact than linear accelerator HEX-ray sources • Multi-use capability of X-ray source for NDE, medical imaging, micro-CT • Laser-machining market drivers and HE-LPXS’s multi-use capability will make future HE-LPXSs in-flight capable Primary target markets include defense, aerospace and industrial manufacturing sectors where dense components and systems require precise nondestructive evaluation.

Higher resolution and higher throughput high-energy X-ray solutions are needed to advance the state of the art in nondestructive evaluation. Laser plasma X-ray generation has been found to produce 10 to 100 times greater spectral brilliance compared to existing X-ray tubes. With laser footprints shrinking and reduced laser costs over time, the economics are increasingly favorable for using off-the-shelf ultrafast industrial lasers to create compact laser-driven X-ray sources that can significantly outperform available X-ray tubes. High energy X-ray applications are growing outside NASA where industry and researchers need deeply penetrating high-resolution nondestructive evaluation tools to investigate especially dense components and materials. Leading aerospace and defense companies are engaging us to learn more about the potential for laser-driven X-rays to replace current CT tools that fail to meet the needs for quality control and quality assurance. HIgh energy X-rays also have Security applications as well as possible medical uses in the future. By targeting X-ray energies in the 1 to 4 MeV range, RIC's high energy X-ray sources would address a billion-dollar scale segment of equipment to take share from high end industrial CT and a portion of the LINAC market.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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