Abstract: A wire grid polarizer with multiple functionality sections. Separate and discrete sections can include a difference in pitch p, a difference in wire width w, a difference in wire height h, a difference in wire material, a difference in coating on top of the wires, a difference in thin film between the wires and the substrate, a difference in substrate between the wires, a difference in number of layers of separate wires, and/or a difference in wire cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A transmission x-ray tube comprising an end window hermetically sealed to a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling can allow the window to shift or tilt in one direction or another direction to allow an electron beam to impinge upon one region of the window or another region of the window. A method of utilizing different regions of an x-ray tube target by tilting an x-ray tube window at an acute angle with respect to an electron beam axis to cause an electron beam to impinge on a selected region of the window and tilting the window in a different direction to allow the electron beam to impinge on a different selected region of the window.

Abstract: An inorganic, dielectric grid polarizer device includes a stack of film layers disposed over a substrate. Each film layer is formed of a material that is both inorganic and dielectric. Adjacent film layers each have different refractive indices. At least one of the film layers is discontinuous to form a form-birefringent layer with an array of parallel ribs having a period less than 400 nm. Another layer, different than the form-birefringent layer, is formed of an optically absorptive material for the ultra-violet spectrum.

Abstract: A compact x-ray source can include a circuit (10) providing reliable voltage isolation between low and high voltage sides (21, 23) of the circuit while allowing AC power transfer between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit to an x-ray tube electron emitter (43). Capacitors (11, 12) can provide the isolation between the low and high voltage sides of the circuit. The x-ray source (110) can utilize capacitors of a high voltage generator (67) to provide the voltage isolation. A compact x-ray source (110) can comprise a single transformer core (101) to transfer alternating current from two alternating current sources (104a, 104b) to an electron emitter (43) and a high voltage generator (107). A compact x-ray source (120) can comprise a high voltage sensing resistor (R1) disposed on a cylinder (41) of an x-ray tube (40).

Abstract: A x-ray tube comprising an anode sealed to a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling can allow the anode to deflect or tilt in various directions to allow an electron beam to impinge upon various selected regions of an anode target. A method of utilizing different regions of an x-ray tube target by tilting or deflecting an x-ray tube anode to cause an electron beam to impinge on a selected region of the target.

Abstract: An x-ray source can include an x-ray tube and a power supply. The x-ray tube can be removably affixed to the power supply in a rigid manner with the x-ray tube movable and holdable along with the power supply when affixed thereto. A releasable coupling between the x-ray tube and the power supply can create an interface defining a potential arc path. A means, such as a non-linear plug and socket junction, a gasket, or an electrically conductive sleeve, can be used for resisting arcing along the potential arc path.

Abstract: A reduced power consumption x-ray source comprising: In one embodiment, an x-ray tube including an infrared heat reflector disposed inside an x-ray tube cylinder between the cathode and the anode and oriented to reflect a substantial portion of infrared heat radiating from a filament back to the filament, thus reducing heat loss from the filament. In another embodiment, an alternating current source for an x-ray tube filament including a switch for allowing power to flow to the filament for a longer or shorter time depending on the desired output x-ray flux. In another embodiment, a neutral grounded, direct current (DC) high voltage, power supply with parallel high voltage multipliers, each supplied by separate alternating current sources, but both the output of one alternating current source connected to ground and the input of another alternating current source connected to ground. The output of both high voltage multipliers are connected.

Abstract: A method and device for control of an electron beam flux, electron spot size, and/or electron spot location. Electromagnetic radiation from an anode of the x-ray tube can be focused on a detector. The detector can send a signal to a control module based on the electromagnetic radiation focused on the detector. The control module can control the electron beam with a beam control device and/or a current control device. The signal can also indicate anode temperature at the electron spot.

Abstract: An x-ray tube with a semiconductor coating disposed over an exterior the tube. The semiconductor material reduces voltage gradients.

Abstract: A high voltage sensing circuit with temperature compensation comprises a first series of resistors in parallel with a second series of resistors. The first series includes a material with a different temperature coefficient of resistance than in the second series. A voltage measurement circuit calculates a high voltage by use of a voltage across a resistor in the first series and a voltage differential between the series.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a cathode, an outer ring, an anode, an electrically insulating layer, and an electrically conducting layer. The substrate includes a semiconducting material having a first conduction type. The substrate has a first face and a second face substantially parallel to the first face. A cathode is disposed at the second face and has the first conduction type. An outer ring, having the first conduction type, is disposed at an outer perimeter of the first face of the substrate. An anode, having the second conduction type, is disposed at the first face of the substrate within an inner perimeter of the outer ring. An electrically insulating layer is disposed over the outer ring. An electrically conducting layer is disposed over the electrically insulating layer and over the outer ring. The electrically conducting layer electrically is insulated from the outer ring by the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: An x-ray source for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. A method for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. Grid(s) may be used in an x-ray tube for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size. Control circuitry for the grid(s) can be disposed in electrically insulative potting. Light may be used to provide power and control signals to the control circuitry.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprising an anode and a cathode disposed at opposing ends of an electrically insulative cylinder. The x-ray tube includes an operating range of 15 kilovolts to 40 kilovolts between the cathode and the anode. The x-ray tube has an overall diameter, defined as a largest diameter of the x-ray tube anode, cathode, and insulative cylinder, of less than 0.6 inches. A direct line of sight exists between all points on an electron emitter at the cathode to a target at the anode.

Abstract: An inorganic, dielectric grid polarizer device includes a stack of film layers disposed over a substrate. Each film layer is formed of a material that is both inorganic and dielectric. Adjacent film layers each have different refractive indices. At least one of the film layers is discontinuous to form a form-birefringent layer with an array of parallel ribs having a period less than 400 nm. Another layer, different than the form-birefringent layer, is formed of an optically absorptive material for the ultra-violet spectrum.

Abstract: A cold electron number amplifier device can provide a greater number of electrons at lower electron emitter temperature. The cold electron number amplifier device can comprise an evacuated enclosure 11, a first electron emitter 12 attached to the evacuated enclosure 11, and an electrically conductive second electron emitter 13 also attached to the evacuated enclosure. The first electron emitter 12 can be configured to emit electrons 14 within the evacuated enclosure 11. The second electron emitter 13 can have a voltage V2 greater than a voltage V1 of the first electron emitter 12 (V2>V1). The second electron emitter 13 can be positioned to receive impinging electrons 14 from the first electron emitter 12. Electrons 14 from the first electron emitter 12 can impart energy to electrons in the second electron emitter 13 and cause the second electron emitter 13 to emit more electrons 15.

Abstract: An x-ray window including at least one aluminum layer and at least one amorphous carbon layer. At least one polymer layer may also be included. Aluminum layer(s) can provide improved gas impermeability to the window. Amorphous carbon layer(s) can provide corrosion resistance. Polymer layer(s) can provide improved structural strength.

Abstract: A transformer network circuit utilizing multiple smaller transformer cores, instead of a single, relatively larger core, for transferring electrical power while maintaining a smaller overall core mass.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for alternating current generation comprising a direct current control box, a first inductor, a second inductor, a first capacitor, and dual load connections. The direct current control box can alternately provide positive direct current to the first inductor then negative direct current to the second inductor. A second end of each inductor can be electrically connected together and electrically connected to a first load connection. A common connection on the control box can be electrically connected to a second load connection. The first load connection and the second load connection can be configured to be electrically connected across a load. A first capacitor can be electrically connected between the first load connection and the second load connection and configured to be electrically connected in series or parallel parallel with the load.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a cathode, an outer ring, an anode, an electrically insulating layer, and an electrically conducting layer. The substrate includes a semiconducting material having a first conduction type. The substrate has a first face and a second face substantially parallel to the first face. A cathode is disposed at the second face and has the first conduction type. An outer ring, having the first conduction type, is disposed at an outer perimeter of the first face of the substrate. An anode, having the second conduction type, is disposed at the first face of the substrate within an inner perimeter of the outer ring. An electrically insulating layer is disposed over the outer ring. An electrically conducting layer is disposed over the electrically insulating layer and over the outer ring. The electrically conducting layer electrically is insulated from the outer ring by the electrically insulating layer.

Abstract: A membrane including at least one aluminum layer and at least one amorphous carbon layer. At least one polymer layer may also be included. Aluminum layer(s) can provide improved gas impermeability to the membrane. Amorphous carbon layer(s) can provide corrosion resistance. Polymer layer(s) can provide improved structural strength.