Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided adapted to generate X-ray beams, comprising a first and a second deflection device mounted external or internal to the X-ray tube between a cathode and an anode in a diagonal manner for focal spot deflection in a combined x- and y-direction. The first and second deflection devices are triggered alternately such that only one deflection device is activated at a time. The first and second deflection devices may be triggered according to a predetermined switching sequence, e.g. producing a predetermined deflection pattern of the focal spot. Thereby, an improved x- and z-flying focal spot methodology is provided.

Abstract: An X-ray tube (260) is provided which is adapted to generate X-ray beams (258). The X-ray tube may comprise electrostatic grids (256) for focal spot deflection in x-direction, wherein the electrostatic grids are mounted on either side of the cathode (250). Further the X-ray tube may comprise electromagnetic coils (260) for focal spot deflection in y-direction, wherein said electromagnetic coils forming a dipole, are mounted external to the X-ray tube and are positioned between the cathode and the target of the anode (206), so that the electron beam (255) passes between its poles. The electrostatic grids and the electromagnetic coils are arranged separately from each other and provide for a combination of electrostatic x-deflection in tandem with electromagnetic z-deflection.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cathode assembly (28) includes a support arm (36) comprising a first metal. A ceramic insulator (70, 82) has a first metalized surface (72, 86) wherein the metalized surfaces comprise a desired amount of the first metal. A first member of filler material (90) is in contact with the support arm (36) and the first metalized surface (72, 86) of the ceramic insulator (70, 82), the first member of filler material comprising at least a second metal (96a, 96b) wherein a first alloy system (FIG. 5) comprising the first and second metals includes an alloy minimum point percentage composition (P) of the first and second metals having a first alloy system minimum melting point (M) for the alloy minimum point percentage composition that is lower than both of the melting point of the first metal and second metal.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cathode assembly (28) includes a support arm (36) comprising a first metal. A ceramic insulator (70, 82) has a first metalized surface (72, 86) wherein the metalized surfaces comprise a desired amount of the first metal. A first member of filler material (90) is in contact with the support arm (36) and the first metalized surface (72, 86) of the ceramic insulator (70, 82), the first member of filler material comprising at least a second metal (96a, 96b) wherein a first alloy system (FIG. 5) comprising the first and second metals includes an alloy minimum point percentage composition (P) of the first and second metals having a first alloy system minimum melting point (M) for the alloy minimum point percentage composition that is lower than both of the melting point of the first metal and second metal.