Development and assessment of an image intensifier for real-time X-ray microscopy

This note describes a microchannel electron multiplier which has been modified from its intended application as a direct-viewing night-vision system to render it suitable as an image intensifier for X-ray microscopic studies. It has been successfully used with X-ray sources operating in the range 3 to 140 kV and 10 μA to 20 mA with horizontal or vertical beams. One application of this unit is for microangiographic studies using low energy X-radiation (3-25 kV). With beam currents of less than 250 A it is possible to resolve images of contrast-filled blood vessels less than 15 m in diameter in the rabbit ear. (U.K.)