Abstract: An electronic radiation generator may include a target material that emits radiation in response to being struck by an accelerated electron beam, an accelerator chamber that accelerates the electron beam toward the target, and a cathode emitter that emits electrons from an exposed surface of a thermionic emission material of the cathode emitter. The cathode emitter may have a thermionic emission material that is partially covered and partially exposed by a protective layer, which may focus the electron beam. Additionally or alternatively, an aperture assembly may form an aperture in front of the cathode emitter in relation to the target. The aperture assembly may at least partially block the exposed surface of the thermionic emission material in relation to the target. Since the aperture shapes the electron beam, the aperture causes the electron beam to remain more stable even when the cathode emitter shakes or vibrates.

Abstract: An electronic radiation generator may include a target material that emits radiation in response to being struck by an accelerated electron beam, an accelerator chamber that accelerates the electron beam toward the target, and a cathode emitter that emits electrons from an exposed surface of a thermionic emission material of the cathode emitter. The cathode emitter may have a thermionic emission material that is partially covered and partially exposed by a protective layer, which may focus the electron beam. Additionally or alternatively, an aperture assembly may form an aperture in front of the cathode emitter in relation to the target. The aperture assembly may at least partially block the exposed surface of the thermionic emission material in relation to the target. Since the aperture shapes the electron beam, the aperture causes the electron beam to remain more stable even when the cathode emitter shakes or vibrates.