Theoretical model for an advanced bremsstrahlung converter

Abstract

The model described may be used to predict the output of a bremsstrahlung converter system consisting of one or more thin converter foils immersed in a uniform magnetic field whose direction is oblique to the foil normal(s). This model is a superposition of the vacuum helical trajectories of the electrons and a Monte Carlo collisional transport of photons and electrons. Predictions of radiation environments of these ``advanced'' converters are compared with those of more conventional converters. It is shown that one may extract a comparable, if not greater amount of bremsstrahlung energy from the relatively thin advanced converters and that the spectra are considerably softer. Because of the higher solid‐angle reduction inherent in the advanced converter geometries, however, it is concluded that they will not lead to significantly higher point bremsstrahlung deposition in irradiated materials. Nevertheless, higher deposition should be possible where large exposure areas are required.