Triboluminescence x-ray source enabling continuous operation

Triboluminescence is a luminous phenomenon resulted from friction; for example, peeling scotch tape, breaking rock sugar with a hammer, peeling mica and so on. Triboluminescence is well known over 50 years but in 2008 UCLA group reported the radiation of x-ray region by triboluminescence in vacuum for the first time¹. UCLA group made an automatic machine which peels scotch tape. With a view to practical application of triboluminescence to roentgen diagnosis we made an automatic peeling machine similar to that of UCLA group. An x-ray tube for conventional roentgen diagnosis needs a high voltage power supply. In contrast, triboluminescence does not need it. So it is very useful for roentgen diagnosis to replace a conventional x-ray tube with triboluminescence. In the last conference², we have attempted to confirm the x-ray generation from triboluminescence using a filtered phosphor screen when the parameters such as the followings are changed; peeling speed, atmospheric pressure, variety of scotch tape, emission angle etc. Then in a similar way we have also attempted to measure x-ray dose from triboluminescence using a potable dosemeter. The x-ray generation has a directional property.