A model to describe the bremsstrahlung spectrum produced by a positive-ion Van de Graaff accelerator

A model that simulates the measured X-radiation spectra produced by low-energy positive-ion dc accelerators has been developed as a linear superposition of terms of thick target bremsstrahlung radiation of secondary electrons striking the high-voltage terminal. The model has been applied successfully to simulate the continuum X-radiation spectra measured with germanium detector produced by a single-ended 700 kV Van de Graaff accelerator. The application of the model as a diagnostic method to obtain the relative intensity and location where the secondary electrons originated and also to obtain the accelerator operating voltage are discussed. (orig.)