Irradiators based on low-energy (soft) X-rays below 100 keV generated with commercially available water-cooled X-ray tubes are described. These irradiators are designed to maximize the available dose by minimizing the distance between the source and the sample. Sample transport mechanisms are configured to allow thin-layer irradiation from strategically positioned X-ray sources. With proper source spacing near perfect dose distribution among samples is achievable. Advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional radiation sources are discussed, including challenges to scaling up the low-energy technology for high-throughput insect sterilization programs.
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