Moxtek TUB00045 Series 40 kV Microfocus X-ray Tube with Integrated High-Voltage Cable

Overview

The Moxtek TUB00045 Series is a compact, air-cooled microfocus X-ray tube engineered for integration into portable, benchtop, and OEM analytical systems requiring stable, low-power X-ray generation. Operating on the principle of electron bombardment of a solid anode target—where thermionically emitted electrons are accelerated across a vacuum gap and decelerated upon impact—the tube produces characteristic X-ray lines and bremsstrahlung radiation suitable for energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) pre-screening, material thickness gauging, and micro-CT source applications. Its −4 to +40 kV adjustable accelerating voltage enables tunable spectral output, while the 0–100 µA beam current supports precise dose control. Unlike conventional tubes requiring external high-voltage supplies and complex shielding, the TUB00045 integrates a matched high-voltage cable (1–11.5 inches length configurable), minimizing electrical noise, capacitive loading, and arcing risk—critical for repeatable spectral acquisition in field-deployable or space-constrained instruments.

Key Features

• Microfocus design with focal spot size optimized for high spatial resolution imaging and elemental mapping
• Integrated high-voltage cable eliminates need for external HV connectors and reduces EMI susceptibility
• Lightweight (450 g) and compact footprint (<80 mm total length), enabling seamless integration into handheld analyzers and miniaturized spectrometers
• Stable output performance across ambient temperatures (−10 °C to +50 °C), verified via continuous 8-hour drift testing (<0.3% intensity variation)
• Low-power architecture (max 4 W) compatible with battery-operated or USB-powered platforms
• Modular anode selection: six target materials (Ag, W, Pd, Rh, Ta, Au) allow optimization of excitation efficiency for specific elements (e.g., Rh for light-element EDXRF; W for high-energy bremsstrahlung continuum)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TUB00045 is designed for non-destructive analysis of solid, powdered, and thin-film samples in ambient or He-purged environments. Its low-power operation meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for Class I laboratory equipment. While not a standalone radiation-emitting device under FDA 21 CFR 1020.40, it must be incorporated into a fully shielded system compliant with local regulatory limits (e.g., ≤1 µSv/h at 5 cm from housing per ANSI N43.3). The tube’s mechanical interface (standard M30 × 1.5 threaded flange) and electrical pinout adhere to Moxtek’s OEM integration specification sheet (Rev. D, 2023), ensuring compatibility with third-party HV drivers meeting EN 61326-1 EMC standards. No radioactive sources or hazardous coolants are used—consistent with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC compliance.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware component—not a standalone instrument—the TUB00045 does not include embedded firmware or user-facing software. It interfaces via analog control signals (0–5 V for voltage setpoint, 0–10 V for current limit) and TTL-compatible status outputs (HV enable, overtemperature, arc detect). Integration partners implement closed-loop regulation using PID-controlled HV modules (e.g., Spellman SLW series) with logging capabilities supporting audit trails required under GLP/GMP environments. Raw spectral data acquired downstream (e.g., via Amptek FAST SDD detectors) may be processed using vendor-neutral libraries (PyMCA, DTSA-II) or commercial platforms (Oxford Instruments AZtec, Thermo Fisher Pathfinder) that support custom source calibration files—including tube-specific Kα/Kβ line intensities and take-off angle corrections.

Applications

• Portable EDXRF analyzers for alloy sorting, soil metal screening, and consumer product safety testing (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr)
• OEM integration into automated thickness measurement systems for semiconductor wafer metrology and coated steel inspection
• Low-dose micro-CT pre-scanning modules in academic and industrial tomography rigs
• Benchtop XRD sample alignment and phase identification where high brilliance is unnecessary but stability is critical
• Custom educational X-ray demonstrators complying with university radiation safety protocols

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous duty cycle for the TUB00045 at 40 kV / 100 µA?
Rated for 100% duty cycle at ≤2 W average power; sustained operation at full 4 W requires active thermal monitoring and intermittent pulsing (≤30 s ON / ≥60 s OFF) to maintain cathode longevity.
Can the TUB00045 be operated in vacuum environments?
No—it is designed exclusively for atmospheric or inert-gas (N₂, He) operation; vacuum exposure risks internal outgassing and insulator breakdown.
Is firmware or driver software provided by Moxtek for this tube?
No. Moxtek supplies mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and HV cable termination specifications only; system-level control logic resides with the integrator.
Does the 1-year warranty cover anode degradation or focal spot blooming?
Yes—warranty covers functional failure due to manufacturing defects, including measurable focal spot enlargement (>20% increase per SEM metrology) or >5% drop in X-ray output at nominal settings after 500 hours of cumulative operation.
Are replacement anodes or rebuild kits available?
No. The TUB00045 is a sealed, non-serviceable unit; end-of-life units must be returned to Moxtek or authorized service centers for recycling per EPA 40 CFR Part 261 guidelines.