TIO2 Nanotubes - a New Cold Cathode for X-Ray Generation

Tech ID: 20909

Brief Description
Researchers have shown that titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (NT) may be used as a cold cathode X-ray source.

Full Description
Researchers have shown that titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (NT) may be used as a cold cathode X-ray source. In contrast to CNTs, TiO2 nanotubes are comprised of a native oxide and adsorption or reaction with oxygen is not an issue. These TiO2 NTs are grown directly from titanium metallic sheets to insure a stable electical contact between the TiO2 NT film and conductive Ti metal sheet. Because of these properties, TiO2 NTs when compared to CNTs have a substantially longer lifetime (more than factor of 5) and a 20% lower work function.

Suggested uses
X-ray generation

Advantages
The use of TiO2 NT should provide for a more efficient source of high energy electrons for X-ray generation and a cathode with a longer life than CNTs and conventional metal filaments.

Background
X-ray systems generate X-rays by bombarding a metal target with high-energy electrons and the metal target then emits X-rays. Conventional devices use a metal filament heated to around 1000°C to produce the high-energy electrons that bombard the metal target. Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been demonstrated to pump out electrons at room temperature in order to generate X-rays. However these CNTs have a short life since the CNTs are easily oxidized. In addition these CNTs have poor adhesion to conductive substrates resulting in poor electrical contact that lead to increased resistivity of the interface layer, and therefore to heating effects.

PATENT STATUS
* Patent Pending

Inventor(s): Molloi, Sabee

Type of Offer: Licensing



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