Abstract: An X-ray tube housing with integrated cooling passages in the walls of the X-ray tube housing, through which a liquid or gas coolant is circulated and the heat is transferred from the X-ray tube housing to an external cooler. The integrated cooling passages are created around the perimeter of the X-ray tube housing as the X-ray tube housing is formed. For a rotating anode X-ray tube using an oil coolant, the path of heat transfer is from the anode to the glass insert and oil by the means of radiation. The oil that is in contact with the glass insert conducts heat away form the insert to the X-ray tube housing which is then cooled by the integrated cooling passages located within the X-ray tube housing through which fluid is passed to an external fluid cooling system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for controlling temperatures in an x-ray imaging environment including: a first component capable of operating within a first temperature range; a second component capable of operating within a second temperature range; and a liquid-based temperature control system capable of maintaining the first component within the first temperature range and maintaining the second component within the second temperature range. In an embodiment, the first component includes an x-ray detector. In an embodiment, the second component includes an x-ray source. In an embodiment, a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system flows through the first component before flowing through the second component. In an embodiment, a heat exchanger in the liquid-based temperature control system can regulate a temperature of a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger includes at least one thermoelectric cooler device.