Mini-X2 X-Ray Tube
Please note that the 70kV version of the Mini-X2 is no longer available.
The Mini-X2 is a miniature X-ray tube system which includes the X-ray tube, the power supply, the control electronics, and the USB communications to the computer. It is optimized for compact X-ray fluorescence (XRF) applications. The Mini-X2 has been designed to simplify the XRF process by providing a grounded anode, USB control of current and voltage, a simple collimator mount on 50kV models, and ease of operation.
The Mini-X2 consists of two components: the Mini-X2 X-ray tube module and the Mini-X2 Controller. The X-ray tube module includes the tube and high voltage power supply.
Several different options are available:
| Max HV | 50kV | 70kV | |
| Max Power | 4W | 10W | 10W |
| Anode | Ag, Au, Rh, or W | Ag, Au, Rh, or W | Au, Rh, or W |
The Controller includes the USB communications and software control. It can be configured, via software, to support any of the X-ray tube modules. A 10 pin flex cable connects the Controller and the X-ray tube module. Connections to the Controller are 12 VDC power, USB for command and control, and an AUX connector with a safety interlock and a driver for a warning light.
The Controller has significantly improved control features, including software configurability and faster control and readback. It utilizes a completely different software interface, based upon the FW6 protocol used with Amptek’s digital pulse processors.
Convenient threads for attaching collimators or filters are available on all 50kV models.
Features
- 4 or 10 W Output Power
- 10 to 50 kV or 35 to 70 kV
- 5 to 200 µA (See isopower curves)
- Ag, Rh, Au, or W Target (Ag not available in 70kV)
- USB Controlled
Applications
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
- Portable and bench top instruments
- Online processing
- Teaching labs
 Figure 1a. Mini-X2 Silver (Ag) X-Ray Output Spectrum at 50 kV. |
 Figure 1b. Mini-X2 Gold (Au) X-ray Output spectrum at 50 kV. |
Output Spectrum with silver (Ag) target (left) and gold (Au) target (right). These were measured using a 1 mm thick CdTe detector located 1 meter from the Mini-X2 with a 1 mm pinhole collimator (made from tungsten) in front of the detector.
The Mini-X2 is based on the Newton Scientific Inc. miniature X-ray source. The Mini-X2 has replaced the Mini-X(orig); for information on the original Mini-X, see this link.