Grid-controlled emission source for space X-ray communication

Abstract

Using X-ray as carrier signal to realize the high rate information transmission in a distant space is attracting the attention of researchers. The development of this technology has a positive significance for broadening the scope of use of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this paper, the novel grid control X-ray source, which consists of a traditional X-ray tube and a signal control grid, is designed to meet the requirements of X-ray communication in the simulation vacuum experimental system by means of three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation software CST particle studio. The tube potential distribution, electron trajectory, actual focal spot and the number of electrons at the anode are simulated by the computer simulation software. It works by changing the grid voltage to control the X-ray pulse emission. The data of the simulation are as follows. The actual focal spot size is 0.4 mm×4 mm, the effective gate-on voltage is 0 V, and the gate-off voltage is-10 V. X-ray tube grid-controlled characteristics are tested in experiment. The test results are well consistent with the simulation results. Finally, the digital signal transmission is successfully implemented in the X-ray vacuum experiment system.