Abstract: An x-ray tube has a cathode head for focusing an electron beam directed at an anode. The cathode head is made of ferromagnetic material having a Curie point above 700.degree. C. and is mounted on a supporting element to the tube envelope via a direct metallic connection in the form of soldering or welding. The combination of the high Curie point and the direct metallic connection provide good heat transfer such that the Curie point is not exceeded so that the cathode head always remains ferromagnetic. The cathode head thus always operates in a predictable manner and no movement of the focus by magnetic fields occurs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining absolute spatial intensity distribution of a beam of particles in ion implanters. The invention is particularly applicable to ion implanters in which device wafers are mounted on the face of a disk which is rotated, and may be translated, in front of an implanting beam. A spiral pattern of appropriately shaped holes is formed in a spinning disk that holds the wafers. The fluence density of the beam passing through each hole is a precise measure of the fluence density of the particles striking the device wafer at the radial position of the hole. Thus, a measure of the absolute number of particles, and the spatial distribution of those particles is obtained. The invention is useful for beam diagnostics, for quality control of the implantation and for the control over variable intensity implanted ions.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a rotary anode which is seated in a magnetic bearing unit which includes catcher bearings for supporting the anode system if the magnetic bearing is turned off or malfunctions. For this purpose the drive shaft of the rotary anode has a substantially conical surface carried thereon which is symmetrical with respect to the rotational axis of the shaft. The conical surface receives the catcher bearings therein with a gap existing between the bearings and the surface during normal operation, and in the event of failure of the magnetic bearing system, functions as a contact surface to limit movement of the shaft and hence of the anode. The conical surface may be formed by two inwardly chamferred rings carried on the shaft with the catcher bearing disposed between the facing chamferred edges. The catcher bearing may be chamferred in a complementary manner and may have a ball bearing assembly therein.

Abstract: When a transmission-type electron microscope is used to make an observation of a diffraction image produced by a focused electron beam, it is desired that the divergence angle of the electron beam be varied at will while maintaining the spot diameter of the beam on a specimen constant. The present invention provides three stages of focusing lenses and a means for controlling these lenses in interrelated manner in a space between an objective lens and an electron gun in which the specimen is placed. The three stages of lenses are designed to be controlled independently. When an operation is performed to increase the divergence angle of the electron beam, the excitations of the first and second stages of focusing lenses are reduced while the excitation of the third stage of focusing lens is increased, thus maintaining the spot diameter of the beam on the specimen constant.

Abstract: A plasma X-ray source is operable, like the plasma focus type source, to generate impulse discharge through a gas filled in a discharge tube. A relatively small amount of the gas is continuously supplied to and evacuated from the discharge tube in accordance with an occurrence frequency of discharge, without operating evacuation and filling of the gas at each cycle of discharge, under the regulation to make constant the pressure within the discharge tube, thereby eliminating the time for exchange of gas contaminated by discharge, reducing the amount of gas used, and improving reproducibility of discharge.

Abstract: Intense soft X-ray source having an enclosure filled with gas and having two electrodes connected to a high voltage source, one of the electrodes having an opening. A device is provided for producing a photoionizing radiation directed through the opening. The radiation traversing the gas in the direction of the other electrode and during its passage producing a plasma microchannel, an electrical discharge supplied by the source then occurring in the microchannel, wherein the device for producing the photoionizing radiation is an auxiliary soft X-ray source.

Abstract: A method for large-angle convergent-beam diffraction comprises selecting a portion of the diffraction pattern formed by an objective lens, by the use of a diaphragm. Then, a portion of the electron micrograph which is formed by the electron beam passed through the diaphragm is detected, thus producing a signal. This enables a large-angle convergent-beam electron diffraction method that permits one to examine a specimen region which is much narrower than conventional.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma is repeatably generated in a first area directly from solid material without exploding the latter. X-rays are generated in a second area by passing high current through the plasma causing radial inward magnetic field pinching. Accurate control and improved intensity performance, and greater flexibility in selection of X-ray emitting materials, are provided by the separation of the plasma generating and the X-ray pinch generating functions. Common electrode structure is provided for plasma generating and for plasma pinching, which common electrode also provides a cylindrical plasma communication passage from the first to the second area, and provides an X-ray emission passage of desired axial orientation.

Abstract: An improved X-ray source for a lithographic system comprises a double-angle conical target. The target is characterized by a small apparent source diameter and an efficient cooling system. Submicron resolution and high-power operation are thereby made feasible.

Abstract: In combination with an apparatus for conducting radiographic examination of the breast under tissue compressive conditions, a positionably adjustable table serving as a support for body components and as a shield against radiation exposure during operation of X-ray equipment in carrying-out the method of the invention. There is also disclosed an improved mechanism for controllably positioning the compressive plates between which the breast of the patient is restrained during radiographic examination.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube comprising a metal housing portion and an electrode which can be connected to a positive high voltage with respect thereto and which is mounted on a ceramic insulator portion, a conical insulator portion is enclosed by a wall portion, at least the inner surface of which has an insulating effect. A screening sleeve which electrically screens the connection between the insulator portion and the electrode projects into a recess in the wall portion.

Abstract: An x-ray cassette is modified to facilitate the quick release of x-ray film by securing the entire surface of the resilient supports for the intensifying screen to the cassette's fixed plate. Also an edge of the intensifying screen is bent in the direction of the fixed plate.

Abstract: In an angiographic apparatus, operation timings of an entire system, e.g., an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, a transmission image processor, and an injector for X-ray contrast medium are controlled in synchronism with cardiac beat waves of a biological object.

Abstract: A shutter arrangement for intra-oral radiographic X-ray apparatus comprises a substantially punctiform X-ray source (1), a radiation-screening and radiation-directing X-ray tube (3), a holder (10) for holding an object and an X-ray film or plate, the holder being located externally of the X-ray radiation exit orifice of the X-ray tube, and being adjustable in at least two positions in a direction transversely of the direction of radiation, for producing at least two pictures of the object in two mutually different positions relative to the radiation direction. The arrangement also includes a shutter (7c) which is arranged between the X-ray source (1) and the holder (10) and which has a shutter aperture which is adapted to the size of the X-ray film or plate used. The shutter (7c) comprises an apertured metal plate arranged in the exit orifice of the X-ray tube (3) for displacement in a slide-track arrangement (6), in a direction transversely to the direction of the radiation.

Abstract: An X-ray control device is held in a constant position relative to an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, while the X-ray tube is moved toward or away from the rotational scanning axis at which an object to be examined is located. The X-ray control device allows selection of a spot size and a tube voltage of the X-ray tube. The X-ray control device is controlled in synchronism with a shift mechanism. When the X-ray tube is close to the object, a smaller spot and a higher tube voltage than those when the X-ray tube is separated from the object are selected.

Abstract: Medical diagnostic X-ray table assembly including an X-ray source and detector. The entire assembly is mounted on a cantilevered horizontal transverse pivot for being raised and lowered or tilted as a unit. The table assembly is mounted eccentrically to the horizontal transverse pivot so the table can clear the floor when tilted to the foot down position, yet the table is low enough to be mounted easily by a patient.The X-ray source and detector means are each supported by a series of superposed carriages driven by lead screw drives, thereby allowing the source and detector to independently translate transversely, longitudinally, and toward or away from the patient support. The X-ray source is also mounted on a transverse axis for being pivoted. A novel hydraulic mechanism is provided for tilting the table.

Abstract: Intense soft X-ray source comprising a means for producing a cylindrical plasma jet between a cathode and an anode, connected to a pulsed high voltage generator, wherein the means for producing the plasma jet comprisesa capacitor bank connected to a charging voltage source and also to a transmission line provided with a tripping means, the assembly having a very low inductance so as to permit a rapid discharge;a sheet of solid material connected by its periphery to one of the conductors of the line and by its central part to the other conductor, so that a radial discharge can be produced when the tripping means is conductive, a plasma jet resulting from the explosion of the sheet;a means for giving the said plasma jet a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprises an X-ray radiation source for generating an X-ray and projecting the same toward an object, an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray which has transmitted through the object to derive a total X-ray intensity distribution signal of the object including a primary X-ray signal component and a scattered X-ray signal component caused by scattered X-rays and system structural factors, a signal processor which processes the X-ray intensity distribution signal detected from the X-ray detector in such a manner that a scattered X-ray intensity distribution which is pre-calculated based upon the X-ray intensity distribution signal is eliminated from an X-ray intensity distribution obtained from the X-ray intensity distribution signal so as to derive a distribution function of the primary X-ray signal component without adverse influences on the scattered X-ray signal component, and a monitor for displaying a distribution form based upon the distribution function of the primary X-r

Abstract: A mammography compression system provides for both non-magnification compression examination as well as magnification compression examination through a large plurality of positions whereby the patient may remain seated upright or standing. The system permits utilization of a radiologist's present in place X-ray equipment and readily mounts for juxtaposition with the existing in place x-ray system.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus for photographing the entire jaws designed to make a tomogram of a curved plane approximate to a dental arch by the locus of center of rotation of the X-ray beam projected from an X-ray source onto an X-ray film holder describing an approximately V-shaped envelope which forms an apex on an approximate medial line and recedes from the apex toward the left and right of the approximate medial line by moving a rotary arm around a patient, the arm having the X-ray source at one end and the X-ray film holder at the other end thereof, wherein the apparatus comprises a means for changing straight-line distance on the approximate medial line between the apex and receding point of limit of the envelope and a means for indicating the distance of shift thus changed or a means for automatically moving the indication means a distance equal to the distance of shift.