Abstract: X-ray systems for use in high-resolution imaging applications with an improved power rating are provided. An X-ray source comprises at least one integrated actuator unit (206, 206?, 206a or 206b) for performing at least one translational and/or rotational displacement by moving the position of the X-ray source's anode (204, 204?, 204a? or 204b?) relative to a stationary reference position. This helps to overcome power limitations due to an overheating of the anode at its focal ?spot position (205). In addition to that, a focusing unit (203) for allowing an adapted focusing of the anode's focal spot (205) which compensates deviations in the focal spot size resulting from said anode displacements and/or a deflection means (211, 21 Ia or 21 Ib) for generating an electric and/or magnetic field deflecting the electron beam (202, 202a or 202b) in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotary anode's displacement movement may be provided.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly and an X-ray tube assembly are disclosed that include an X-ray target and a drive assembly configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the X-ray target. The drive assembly is configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the target assembly.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode target assembly (101) having a support shaft (107) connected to a pivot assembly (109) and a movable anode target (105) having a target surface (106) disposed at one end of the support shaft and a contact element (108) disposed at the opposite end of the support shaft. A first drive assembly (115) is operably arranged with respect to the support shaft to provide oscillatory motion to the anode target about a first axis substantially parallel to the support shaft and a drive cylinder (125) is operably arranged with respect to the contact element to provide a pivoting motion to the support shaft. A second drive assembly (127) is operably arranged with respect to the drive cylinder to provide an oscillatory motion to the drive cylinder, the second drive cylinder being further configured to provide a linear motion parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a vacuum enclosure, a shaft having a first end and a second end, a flange attached to the first end of the shaft, the flange having an outer perimeter, and a ferrofluid seal assembly having an inner bore, the inner bore having an outer perimeter smaller than the outer perimeter of the flange. The shaft is inserted through the bore of the ferrofluid seal assembly such that the ferrofluid seal assembly is positioned between the first end of the shaft and the second end of the shaft and such that the first end extends into the vacuum enclosure, and the ferrofluid seal is configured to fluidically seal the vacuum enclosure from an environment into which the second end of the shaft extends.

Abstract: An x-ray tube disclosed here in includes an emitter arranged to emit electrons on to a focal spot on a rotatable anode. The x-ray tube also includes a hollow tube arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation from the focal spot at one end of the hollow tube and transmit it to another end. The x-ray tube also includes two or more sensors arranged to detect the electromagnetic radiation through the hollow tube.

Abstract: An energy beam is irradiated onto a rotating anticathode so as to heat a portion irradiated by the energy beam under the condition that a vapor pressure at equilibrium state of the portion is set to 0.1 Torr or more, thereby generating an X-ray. The portion irradiated by the energy beam is kept at the rotating anticathode by a centrifugal force to the portion it a direction outward from a surface of the portion.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly, an X-ray tube assembly and a method for heat management to an X-ray assembly having a movable X-ray target having a target surface. The anode assembly includes a drive member arranged and disposed to provide oscillatory motion to the target assembly and a target surface that is configured to remain at a substantially fixed distance from a cathode assembly during oscillatory motion.

Abstract: A computer tomography measuring device includes a radiation source for generating invasive radiation, in particular X-rays, and a rotating device which is embodied and arranged in such a way that it enables a measurement object to be rotatable about an axis of rotation of the rotating device, thereby enabling the invasive radiation to penetrate into the measurement object at different angles. A detecting device detects the radiation penetrating through the measurement object. A positioning device provided with an adjusting element is used for adjusting the position of the measurement object with respect to the rotating device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: In one example, an x-ray target comprises a substrate, a target core, and a target track. The substrate and target core are attached together utilizing a carbide layer and a braze layer.

Abstract: An energy beam is irradiated onto a rotating anticathode so as to heat a portion irradiated by the energy beam under the condition that a vapor pressure at equilibrium state of the portion is set to 0.1 Torr or more, thereby generating an X-ray. The portion irradiated by the energy beam is kept at the rotating anticathode by a centrifugal force to the portion it a direction outward from a surface of the portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging with focal spot deflection are provided. The apparatus includes an x-ray tube having a cathode configured to emit electrons and an anode having a target with a target surface defining a target angle. The emitted electrons are deflected onto the target surface with the target surface substantially aligned with a z-axis parallel to a gantry rotation axis.

Abstract: A method of providing intensity modulated radiation therapy to a moving target is disclosed. The target moves periodically along a trajectory that is projected onto a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) plane. The MLC plane is divided into thin slices parallel to the movement of the target. The present invention optimizes the leaf sequence such that, within each slice, if a point receives radiation, all other points in that slice that receive the same amount or more fluence are also receiving radiation at the same time.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly and an X-ray tube assembly are disclosed that include an X-ray target and a drive assembly configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the X-ray target. The drive assembly is configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the target assembly.

Abstract: X-ray tube and method for determination of focal spot properties The invention relates to an x-ray tube (1) comprising at least one cathode (3) which emits electrons accelerated towards a rotating anode (5) such that the focal spot (27) is formed on a surface (9) of the anode (5). A structure (15), in particular slits or pits (13), is disposed on the surface (9) of the anode (5). The x-ray tube (1) comprises a detector (7) for detecting a detection signal which changes, if the structure (15) on the rotating anode (5) passes the focal spot. The x-ray tube (1) further comprises determination means (6) for determining properties of the focal spot from changes of the detection signal. Thus, properties of the focal spot can be determined from changes of the detection signal during operation of the x-ray tube (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a radiation procedure includes a radiation filter having a first portion and a second portion, the first and the second portions forming a layer for filtering radiation impinging thereon, wherein the first portion is made from a first material having a first x-ray filtering characteristic, and the second portion is made from a second material having a second x-ray filtering characteristic. An apparatus for use in a radiation procedure includes a first target material, a second target material, and an accelerator for accelerating particles towards the first target material and the second target material to generate x-rays at a first energy level and a second energy level, respectively.

Abstract: A cathode assembly for a rotating anode X-ray source comprises two parts: a focusing part that is mechanically connected to the remainder of the X-ray source and permanently aligned with respect to the anode and a separate emission part that holds the electron source and is removably connected to the focusing part. The electron source is permanently mounted in the emission part and precisely aligned to the focusing part. The focusing part and the emission part are mechanically connected aligned relative to one another at the time of replacement. This arrangement allows the emission part, including the electron source to be quickly removed and replaced by an inexperienced user while maintaining the accuracy of the X-ray source alignment.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus can be configured such that an amount of artifacts of a tomographic image of a heart is reduced. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus can include detecting means for detecting a static cardiac time phase with a small amount of motion artifacts in a predetermined portion of the subject based on heartbeat information acquired in association with the projection data, and image reconstructing means for generating the tomographic image by reconstructing projection data corresponding to the static cardiac time phase detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: Generation of 2 ?W average output power at 13.9 nm from a table-top laser-pumped Ni-like Ag laser operating at 5 Hz repetition rate using a silver-coated helical target which is rotated and advanced such that the target surface is renewed between pulses, is described. Greater than 2×104 soft x-ray laser pulses were obtained using a single target. Similar results were obtained at 13.2 nm for Ni-like Cd using a cadmium-coated target. Uninterrupted operation of laser-pumped soft x-ray lasers at a repetition rates of about 10 Hz for periods of several hours enables the generation of pulsed, high average power soft x-rays for applications. Other embodiments of the renewable laser target are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an x-ray apparatus. The x-ray apparatus comprises a vacuum tube. A cathode is located in the vacuum tube and capable of emitting electrons. A rotatable magnetic anode located in the vacuum tube, capable of being rotated by a motor located outside of the vacuum tube, and capable of generating an x-ray beam in response to receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode.

Abstract: An X-ray tube target assembly and method of manufacturing same is provided. The X-ray tube target assembly comprises an injection molded target disk. The injection molded target disk includes an injection molded hub member and an injection molded outer member. The injection molded outer member comprises a plurality of injection molded outer member segments that are removably attached together and removably attached to the hub member to form the injection molded target disk. A target track is formed on an outer surface on one side of an outer periphery of the injection molded outer member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray source for the generation of fluorescent X-rays. The X-ray source is realized by an electron source for the emission of electrons and a target which emits X-rays in response to the incidence of the electrons, the target comprising a ring-shaped primary target for the emission of primary X-rays in response to the incidence of the electrons and a secondary target for the emission of fluorescent X-rays in response to the incidence of the primary X-rays. To obtain an enhanced radiance, it is proposed that the primary target comprises a liquid metal channel arranged in a radial direction relative to a central axis, and that a liquid metal circulates in the liquid metal channel during operation of the X-ray source in the radial direction from an inner side to an outer side of the ring-shaped primary target.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotating anode X-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum envelope integrated with an anode target, a housing receiving at least the vacuum envelope, and rotatably holding it, a circulation path circulating a cooling medium in a state of closing to at least anode target of the vacuum envelope, a cathode received and arranged in the vacuum envelope, a cathode support member supporting the cathode, a bearing mechanism and a vacuum sealing mechanism interposed between the vacuum envelope, and the housing or a stationary member direct or indirectly fixed to the housing, and a driver unit for rotating the vacuum envelope.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided which includes an X-ray tube including, a cathode for emitting electrons; and a dynamic anode. The dynamic anode receives the electrons from the cathode and generates an X-ray beam that is non-stationary. The dynamic anode rotates between a first position where the X-ray beam is directed at a first location on an object and a second position where the X-ray beam is directed at a second location on the object to generate the non-stationary beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an x-ray apparatus. The x-ray apparatus comprises a vacuum tube. A cathode is located in the vacuum tube and capable of emitting electrons. A rotatable magnetic anode located in the vacuum tube, capable of being rotated by a motor located outside of the vacuum tube, and capable of generating an x-ray beam in response to receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an X-ray target includes a target cap formed of a substrate material and a focal track layer of emitting material, and at least one of the substrate material and the emitting material has a density greater than about 95.0% of theoretical density. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an X-ray target includes forming an intermediate target cap form of substrate material and a focal track layer of emitting material, and compacting the intermediate target cap form by application of gas pressure at elevated temperature to form a final target cap form, and at least the substrate material is dense substrate material having a final density greater than an intermediate density or the emitting material is dense emitting material having a final emitting material density greater than an intermediate emitting material density.

Abstract: An X-ray tube equipped with a rotating anode cartridge comprising a reinforced sealing system. This sealing system is achieved in three complementary manners. Firstly, when the anode rotates, in order to confine the liquid alloy within the cartridge, the invention provides to equip the two surfaces of a leak-tight joint with grooves thereby obtaining a double sided joint with an improved efficiency. Secondly, the double sided joint makes it possible to obtain, for the vacuum tightness, when the anode shaft is not rotating, two spaces limited by the surface tension of the alloy of liquid metal. The more symmetrical these two spaces, the more the sealing is reinforced. Thirdly, the invention provides to separate the ring from the axis of rotation. This enables a joint centering the two spaces in an automatic and natural manner to be obtained.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly, an X-ray tube assembly and a method for heat management to an X-ray assembly having a movable X-ray target having a target surface. The anode assembly includes a drive member arranged and disposed to provide oscillatory motion to the target assembly and a target surface that is configured to remain at a substantially fixed distance from a cathode assembly during oscillatory motion.

Abstract: X-ray tube and method for determination of focal spot properties. The invention relates to an x-ray tube (1) comprising at least one cathode (3) which emits electrons accelerated towards a rotating anode (5) such that the focal spot (27) is formed on a surface (9) of the anode (5). A structure (15), in particular slits or pits (13), is disposed on the surface (9) of the anode (5). The x-ray tube (1) comprises a detector (7) for detecting a detection signal which changes, if the structure (15) on the rotating anode (5) passes the focal spot. The x-ray tube (1) further comprises determination means (6) for determining properties of the focal spot from changes of the detection signal. Thus, properties of the focal spot can be determined from changes of the detection signal during operation of the x-ray tube (1).

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode comprising a focal track and a cathode assembly configured to emit an electron beam toward a focal spot on the focal track. The x-ray tube also includes a controller configured to wobble the electron beam among a plurality of focal points in a direction tangent to the focal track. The plurality of focal points includes at least one focal point that is bounded by a pair of boundary focal points. The controller is further configured to delay a wobble of the electron beam away from the at least one focal point for a pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: An x-ray tube having a coated x-ray tube frame inner surface and a coated anode assembly is provided. The x-ray tube includes an x-ray tube frame in which an anode assembly is disposed therein. A cathode assembly is also disposed within the x-ray tube frame that emits an electron beam to strike a target surface of the anode assembly and form x-rays. A plasma-sprayed tungsten coating is formed on an inner surface of the x-ray tube frame and on the anode assembly to dissipate heat created by the electron beam.

Abstract: A rotary anode x-ray radiator has an anode produced from a first material as well as a cathode. A structure for accommodation of at least one heat conductor element produced from a second material is provided on an external side of the anode facing away from the cathode, in an annular segment situated opposite the anode. The second material exhibits a higher heat conductivity than the first material. The heat conductor elements are accommodated in the structure to form expansion gaps.

Abstract: A rotating anode for x-ray generation uses a heat pipe principle with a heat pipe coolant located in a sealed chamber of a rotating portion of the anode. The rotating portion is positioned relative to a second portion so that relative rotation occurs between the two portions and so that a fluid path exists between the two portions through which an external cooling fluid may flow. The relative motion between the two portions provides a turbulent flow to the cooling fluid. The anode may also include cooling fins that extend into the sealed chamber. The sealed chamber may be under vacuum, and may be sealed by o-rings or by brazing. A closable fill port may be provided via which heat pipe coolant may be added. A balancing mass may be used to balance the anode in two dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 for a liquid-metal anode 1 of an X-ray source. It is provided according to the invention that it can be operated in at least two modes, wherein the first mode is a thawing mode in which the liquid metal 2 is melted in a line 3 of the liquid-metal anode 1, the second mode is an operating mode in which the liquid metal 2 is pumped through the line 3 and X-ray beams are produced. In addition, the invention relates to a liquid-metal anode 1 for an X-ray source with a liquid metal 2 which is located in a line 3, wherein an anode module 15 is inserted into the line 3 in the region of focus 4, with a pump 5 for circulating the liquid metal 2 in the line 3 and with a cooling system 6 for the liquid metal 2. According to the invention, such a liquid-metal anode 1 has a magnetohydrodynamic pump 5 as described above.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes a rotation-anode type X-ray tube which is configured such that a rotatable anode target and a cathode that is disposed to be opposed to the anode target are accommodated within a vacuum envelope, a stator which generates an induction electromagnetic field for rotating the anode target, a housing which accommodates and holds at least the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, a circulation path which is provided near at least a part of the rotation-anode type X-ray tube, and through which a water-based coolant is circulated, and a cooling unit including a circulation pump, which is provided at a position along the circulation path and forcibly feeds the water-based coolant, and a radiator which radiates heat of the water-based coolant, wherein at least a part of a surface of a metallic component is coated with a coating member to prevent contacting with the water-based coolant.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray source for the generation of fluorescent X-rays comprising an electron source (1) for the emission of electrons (6) and a target which emits X-rays (10) in response to the incidence of the electrons (6), said target comprising a ring-shaped primary target (2) for the emission of primary X-rays (9) in response to the incidence of the electrons (6) and a secondary target (3) for the emission of fluorescent X-rays (10) in response to the incidence of the primary X-rays (9). To obtain an enhanced radiance, it is proposed that the primary target (2) comprises a liquid metal channel (8) arranged in radial direction relative to a central axis (4), and that a liquid metal circulates in the liquid metal channel (8) during operation of the X-ray source in radial direction from an inner side (13) to an outer side (14) of said ring-shaped primary target (2).

Abstract: An x-ray target assembly is provided comprising a center hub element affixed to a drive shaft and an outer disc including a plurality of tab extensions removably engaging the periphery of the center hub element. A target element is mounted on an upper outer disc surface.

Abstract: In a method for operating an x-ray device, an x-ray beam is generated at a focal spot of a rotary anode that is rotatable around a rotation axis, and the x-ray beam is gated with a slit-shaped diaphragm to produce a fan-shaped x-ray beam, that is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: A computed tomography imaging system includes an x ray tube (12, 212) that injects an x ray conebeam into an examination region (14). The x ray tube (12, 212) includes a rotating cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) having a target outer surface region. The cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) rotates about a longitudinally aligned cylinder axis (32). Electrons are accelerated toward a selected spot on the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430). Electrostatic or electromagnetic deflectors (64, 68) sweep the selected spot back and forth across the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 330, 430). The imaging system further includes a rotating gantry (22) that revolves the x ray tube (12, 212) about the examination region (14) around a rotation axis that is parallel to the cylindrical axis, and an x-ray detector (16) arranged to detect x rays after said x rays pass through the examination region (14).

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of X-ray generator tubes. The invention relates more specifically to the arrangement of the emitting surfaces which are the source of the X-ray radiation. It is known that the inclination of the emitting surface known as the target to the electron beam governs the intensity of X-ray emission and the resolution of the tube. The target carrier assembly according to the invention allows this inclination to be set according to the desired application. For high-energy applications requiring a cooling circuit, the arrangement of the component also allows an appreciable improvement to the geometry of said cooling circuit so as to appreciably improve its efficiency. Several layouts of cooling circuit are presented, together with methods for producing them.

Abstract: An x-ray assembly is provided comprising a target shaft and an x-ray target element mounted to the target shaft. A circumferential feature is formed in the x-ray target element. At least one weight element is adapted to be securable in a plurality of positions within the circumferential feature such that the x-ray target element can be balanced around the target shaft.

Abstract: An x-ray device includes an x-ray tube for generation of an x-ray emanating from a focal spot of a rotary anode rotatable around a rotation axis and a slit-shaped diaphragm for generation of a fan-shaped x-ray beam that is gated from the x-ray and emission is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: An integrated component mounting system that includes a component mounted to a shaft and secured in place by a nut. The component and the nut each define respective annular shaped surfaces. The shaped surfaces are each inclined at a similar angle and are arranged for sliding contact with respect to each other. As the nut is tightened on the shaft, the shaped surface of the nut exerts both radial and axial forces on the shaped surface of the component, thereby automatically centering the component radially on the shaft as well as securing the component at a desired location along the shaft.

Abstract: An imaging tube assembly (11) for a computed tomography (CT) system (10) includes an insert (60) that has a vacuum chamber (72). An anode (58) resides within the vacuum chamber (72) and rotates on a shaft (66) via one or more bearing (70). In one embodiment, a seal (52) resides between the insert (60) and the shaft (66). The seal (52) prevents the passage of a gas (80) into the vacuum chamber (72). In another embodiment, a pressure transition chamber (104) is coupled to an insert (60?) and a shaft (66?). The pressure transition chamber (104) has an associated middle fluid pressure that is between an internal fluid pressure of the vacuum chamber (104) and an external fluid pressure of said insert (60?).

Abstract: A component mounting system that includes a rotor stem, nut, and mechanical interface. The mechanical interface defines a shaped surface and is integral with the component. An axial opening in the component permits the component to be mounted on the rotor stem. The nut defines a second shaped surface and one or more annular slots. As the nut is advanced along a threaded portion of the rotor stem, the shaped surfaces contact each other and serve to automatically center the component on the rotor stem. The annular slot defined by the nut permits the nut to elastically deform under the influence of various operating conditions, and thereby alleviate forces that are exerted on the elements of the component mounting system.

Abstract: A rotary piston tube for an x-ray radiator is provided in which the vacuum housing, accommodating an anode and a cathode and displaceable in rotation, comprises a 360° all-around ray exit window. For optimization of the ray exit window, this is produced according to one of the subsequently stated material specifications: a) a high-temperature steel or a high-temperature chromium and/or nickel alloy, listed in the standard EN 10273 and EN 10302, at a wall thickness between 0.1 to 0.4 mm; b) a titanium material at a wall thickness between 0.2 and 2 mm; and c) a ceramic material at a wall thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm.

Abstract: A rotating anode x-ray tube has a rotating anode contained in a vacuum-sealed housing with a compartment for a cathode projecting from a cover of the housing opposite the rotating anode. To improve the durability, a transition part connecting the compartment with the cover has high-temperature stability that is greater than that of the cover or of the compartment.

Abstract: A shield structure is provided that is suitable for use in connection with an x-ray device that includes an anode and cathode disposed in a vacuum enclosure in a spaced apart arrangement so that a target surface of the anode is positioned to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. The shield structure is configured to be interposed between the anode and the cathode and includes an interior surface that defines an aperture through which the electrons are passed from the cathode to the target surface of the anode. Additionally, the aperture includes an inlet and an outlet sized so that the area of the inlet is relatively smaller than the area of the outlet. Finally, the shield structure is situated in the x-ray device such that the inlet of the aperture is positioned near the cathode and the outlet of the aperture is positioned near the anode target surface.

Abstract: X-ray generation apparatus including an elongated target body and a mount from which the body projects to a tip remote from the mount. The target body includes a substance that, on being irradiated by a beam of electrons of suitable energy directed onto the target body from laterally of the elongate target body, generates a source of x-ray radiation from a volume of interaction of the electron beam with the target body. The mount provides a heat sink for the target body.