BACKGROUND:  A very high voltage is typically needed to generate X-rays with enough flux for any useful imaging. This requirement limits the portability of imaging devices as they either have to be tied to an electric grid to access a power line or need bulky power supplies. There is, however, a tremendous need for portable x-ray devices to enable medical or security imaging in the field, such as point-of-care bone scans for rural medical clinics or for a wounded soldier in the battlefield, and even portable, hand-operated imaging devices for homeland security. Furthermore, with increasing consumer concern over lead contamination in household products, there is also an increasing demand to screen and detect traces of lead in consumer products.

INNOVATION:  The invention is able to transduce a small mechanical force into energy to accelerate electric charges for x-ray generation via Bremsstrahlung radiation.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Low cost, portable x-ray generator for in-field medical or security imaging
• Lead detection device for safety screening of consumer products
• Portable device for structural or mechanical fatigue assessment

ADVANTAGES

• X-rays can be generated from just a DC motor or a hand crank so that a large power supply or power line is unnecessary
• Low cost, portable x-ray source

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  X-rays of sufficient flux were generated using the invention, resulting in a radiograph of the fifth metacarpal and fifth distal phalanx of a human hand.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2008-485