X-ray emission from a klystron tube

[rpayne88]

So, I was thinking about building a low power klystron (around 5W.) I know this involves making an electron gun and electron guns can emit x-rays. I have a few questions:
1. Will 5W produce x-rays?
2. If so, what is a safe dosage of x-rays?
3. How can I shield myself and others from the x-rays produced?

The x-rays are an unwanted side effect.

 

[tech99]

So, I was thinking about building a low power klystron (around 5W.) I know this involves making an electron gun and electron guns can emit x-rays. I have a few questions:
1. Will 5W produce x-rays?
2. If so, what is a safe dosage of x-rays?
3. How can I shield myself and others from the x-rays produced?

The x-rays are an unwanted side effect.

The operating voltages of a klystron are too low to cause X-rays.
To build any sort of electron tube is extremely difficult, and a klystron would be impossible for you to make. Even good commercial ones are touchy to get going.

 

[ZapperZ]

The operating voltages of a klystron are too low to cause X-rays.

This is not true. Klystrons are RF sources for accelerating structures in particle accelerators. If you look at any of them at such a facility, they are heavily shielded.

To build any sort of electron tube is extremely difficult, and a klystron would be impossible for you to make. Even good commercial ones are touchy to get going.

That, I can definitely agree on.

Zz.

 

[tech99]

This is not true. Klystrons are RF sources for accelerating structures in particle accelerators. If you look at any of them at such a facility, they are heavily shielded.
That, I can definitely agree on.

Zz.

Of course, klystrons come in all sizes. But for instance, the very old 723A/B reflex klystron, which gives a watt or two of RF, uses ordinary receiver type power supplies, less than 1 kV and no X-Ray precautions were ever required.

 

[ZapperZ]

Of course, klystrons come in all sizes. But for instance, the very old 723A/B reflex klystron, which gives a watt or two of RF, uses ordinary receiver type power supplies, less than 1 kV and no X-Ray precautions were ever required.

I didn't say they aren't. But your statement made it sounds like klystrons physically are too low-powered to produce harmful radiation. This is false.

Zz.

 

[tech99]

Of course, klystrons come in all sizes. But for instance, the very old 723A/B reflex klystron, which gives a watt or two of RF, uses ordinary receiver type power supplies, less than 1 kV and no X-Ray precautions were ever required.

Actually the voltages are rather lower than my memory was telling me - data sheet at this URL.
http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aaa0592.htm

 

[tech99]

Actually the voltages are rather lower than my memory was telling me - data sheet at this URL.
http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aaa0592.htm

Thank you for telling me about high power klystrons. I do remember now that they are used for TV transmitters. But I do remember that they were not originally able to provide the high power required for airborne radar.

 

[mfb]

2. If so, what is a safe dosage of x-rays?
3. How can I shield myself and others from the x-rays produced?

If you have to ask those questions, you clearly do not have the required knowledge to build such it safely. We won't help you to harm yourself here.