Abstract: In order to enhance the dissipation of heat, a metal structure is provided between an anode target layer and a support for the anode target layer in an X-ray tube. In the case of a target transmission tube, notably the dissipation of heat to the window wall is enhanced, whereas in the case of an anode target layer provided on a suitably thermally conductive anode body, the dissipation of heat to said body is enhanced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an X-ray optical element. The element consists of a body of a material having a shape memory. At a high temperature, i.e. a temperature beyond the transition temperature of the material, the body is pressed so as to impart a first, desired shape. A surface of the body is thus shaped for example, as a logarithmic spiral or as another curved shape. After cooling to a low temperature, i.e. a temperature below the transition temperature of the material, a second, machinable shape is imparted to the body, preferably a flat surface. A number of precision operations can be performed on this second, machinable shape, for example polishing to a surface roughness of 0.5 nm RMS. Subsequent to this precision operation, the body is heated and resumes its first, desired shape which is retained after cooling. The body can be provided, if desired, with a comparatively thin surface layer which is also polished in the flat shape and which bends when the body resumes the desired shape.

Abstract: In order to enhance the dissipation of heat, a metal structure is provided between an anode target layer and a support for the anode target layer in an X-ray tube. In the case of a target transmission tube, notably the dissipation of heat to the window wall is enhanced, whereas in the case of an anode target layer provided on a suitably thermally conductive anode body, the dissipation of heat to said body is enhanced.

Abstract: An optically readable information disc having a reflective optical structure which comprises a reflective layer which is composed of a nitride, carbide or boride of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, chromium, niobium, molybdenum, lanthanum, tantalum and tungsten.