A Novel Rotating-Wave X-Ray Source for Analysis of the Martian Landscape
Abstract
In this article, we present analysis and computer simulations for a new accelerator concept that we are proposing for exploration of various planetary surfaces, including the Martian landscape. The rotating-wave accelerator (RWA) uses rotating-wave fields and an external magnetic field to produce acceleration of a low-energy electron beam to high velocities. X-rays are produced by the electrons upon impinging on a suitable target. A linear analysis of the accelerating process is presented as well as computer simulations. These studies show that the RWA can successfully achieve 200-keV X-rays; energy that is ideally suited for X-ray analysis on Mars and other planetary missions. The RWA development will enable a new generation of very compact, power-efficient imaging and analytical instruments capable of producing high-energy X-rays for standoff planetary surface X-ray analysis such as fluorescence and tomography.
- Publication:
-
Interplanetary Network Progress Report
- Pub Date:
- November 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016IPNPR.207B...1V