Abstract: A field emission array electron source (12) is used to generate an electron beam in a x-ray generating device (10). The field emission array operates at room temperature and has a life expectancy in excess of 12,000 hours and provides a robust, efficient emitter for generating an electron beam in a x-ray generating device cathode (10).

Abstract: A radiography system (10) has a solid state x-ray source that includes a substrate with a cathode (58) disposed thereon within a vacuum chamber (52). An anode (68) is spaced apart from cathode within vacuum chamber (52). The system may include a computer (36) that controls an x-ray controller (28) and a plurality of detectors elements (20) which provide data acquisition system (32) with predetermined data in response to x-ray submitted at x-ray source (14). Data acquisition system (32) is used in image reconstructor (34) to provide the desired image. An interface (48) may be used to transmit the image to a remote diagnostic facility. The wireless interface (48) is particularly suitable for communication with a remote diagnostic facility.

Abstract: A solid state x-ray source (14) for a computed tomograph (CT) imaging system (10) is presented. X-ray source (14) has a cathode (58) which is preferably formed of a plurality of addressable elements. The cathode is positioned within a vacuum chamber (74) so that electrodes emitted thereby impinge upon anode (68) spaced apart from cathode (58). An electron beam (82) is formed and moved along the length of cathode (58). The anode (68) is disposed within a cooling block portion (58) and operatively adjacent to an x-ray transmissive window (66). The anode (68) and x-ray transmissive window (66) are disposed within an elongated channel (64) of the cooling block portion (56).