Very recently I have got the following image (in the attachment) of the destroyed beryllium window in a 130kV micro source that completely ruined the tube. I would appreciate comments with suggestions what could be the reason for the damage. Perhaps someone has seen a similar phenomenon.
Some history background to the tube:
The tube was several years old. As far as I know it was initially shortly in use. For the rest of the time it was stashed away in a storage. After this time we have got it as a temporary replacement of our source that recently died after about 4 years of use. After the installation we have removed the protective cap covering the window. The replacement tube was about 4 days in use. In this time we were able to ramp it only up to 110kV at a the max amp. Above 110kV the current was going down. 130kV was never reached at the max power even if, according to the device, the power supply was providing enough energy. After four days we could not ramp up the voltage and current at all and the device showed error.
My suspicion is that either the window somehow got partially oxidized and that led to the failure or there was some internal issue with the power system that spark damaged the window. What do you think?
Dear Andrzej Falenty ,
you may directly ask Rolf Behling
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Behling
via RG messenger.
He is specialist in x-ray tubes.
For a long time he was head of 'Advanced Development X-Ray Sources' at Philips, but now retired...
Good luck and best regards
G.M.
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