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: 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: An X-ray analysis device makes use of a variable aperture for controlling the position and cross section of the X-ray beam. The variable aperture is configured to allow changes in the cross section and/or position of the beam by movement of one aperture component in one direction. In one embodiment, the aperture medium is a perforated disk that is rotated to expose different aperture holes to the beam. In another embodiment, the aperture medium is a perforated tape that is moved in a linear direction to expose different aperture holes to the beam. The tape may be wound about two axes to control its movement, or may be a continuous loop. A cassette may also be used to house the tape.

Abstract: In an X-ray source in which an electron beam spot is focused on a rotating anode, the height of the electron beam spot is reduced as much as practical, the width is increased so that the ratio of the height to the width of the electron beam spot is significantly smaller then the sine of the X-ray takeoff angle. The electron beam is generated by an electron optical configuration obtained by a process involving a combination of testing and simulations. An initial electron optics design is obtained by simulating the electron optics using conventional simulation software. This initial electron optical design is then built into hardware. Extensive measurements are then made on this hardware, and, based on the results of the measurements, new simulations are performed. This process is repeated until an optimum design is obtained.