Abstract: A multiple focal spot X-ray tube (100) comprising an electron source (105), which is adapted to generate an electron beam (106), an anode (110), which is arranged within the electron beam (106) and which comprises a first focal spot portion (120) and a second focal spot portion (130), whereby the second focal spot portion (130) is spatially separated from the first focal spot portion (120). The X-ray tube (100) further comprises a first electron beam manipulation unit (125), which is adapted to interact with the electron beam (106), when the electron beam (106) impinges onto the first focal spot portion (120), and a second electron beam manipulation unit (135), which is adapted to interact with the electron beam (106), when the electron beam (106) impinges onto the second focal spot portion (130).

Abstract: X-ray systems for use in high-resolution imaging applications with an improved power rating are provided. An X-ray source comprises at least one integrated actuator unit (206, 206?, 206a or 206b) for performing at least one translational and/or rotational displacement by moving the position of the X-ray source's anode (204, 204?, 204a? or 204b?) relative to a stationary reference position. This helps to overcome power limitations due to an overheating of the anode at its focal ?spot position (205). In addition to that, a focusing unit (203) for allowing an adapted focusing of the anode's focal spot (205) which compensates deviations in the focal spot size resulting from said anode displacements and/or a deflection means (211, 21 Ia or 21 Ib) for generating an electric and/or magnetic field deflecting the electron beam (202, 202a or 202b) in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotary anode's displacement movement may be provided.

Abstract: An X-ray tube (1) comprising a cathode (3), an anode (5) and a further electrode (7) is proposed. Therein, the further electrode is arranged and adapted such that, due to impact of ‘free electrons (27) coming from the anode (5), the further electrode (7) negatively charges to an electrical potential lying between a cathode's potential and an anode's potential. The further electrode (7) may be passive, i.e. substantially electrically isolated and not connected to an active external voltage supply. The further electrode (7) may act as an ion pump removing ions from within a primary electron beam (21) and furthermore also removing atoms of residual gas within the housing (11) of the X-ray tube (1). In order to further increase the ion pumping capability of the further electrode (7), a magnetic field generator (61) can be arranged adjacent to the further electrode (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography system comprising a support structure, more than one source of radiation, a detector array, and a grid, wherein the support structure defines a space to accommodate an object of interest which can be moved through the ring. The object of interest is radiographed by means of the sources of radiation which are located at the perimeter of the support structure and are movable along said perimeter. The sources are arranged displaced behind each other. The detector array is located at the perimeter of the support structure opposite the sources of radiation, and is movable simultaneously with the sources along the perimeter of the ring. The grid is arranged on the side of the detector array, orientated to the sources, to focus detector modules arranged on the detector array. By means of said CT system, improved radiographic images can be achieved from the object of interest.

Abstract: Cone-beamCT scanners with large detector arrays suffer from increased scatter radiation. This radiation may cause severe image artefacts. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided which directly measures the scatter radiation. The measurement is performed by utilizing an X-raytube with an anode disk (500) comprising a slit (510) which is positioned in a 5 target area (512) of the anode disk. The slit opening is adapted to be penetrated at least partially by the electron beam (580) from the cathode of the x-raytube to alternatingly create a secondary source of X-rays (555) from a second anode (550), whereby the secondary source is located outside the focus area of the anti-scatter grid of the X-raydetector. Cone-beamCT scanners may also suffer from cone beam artifacts. An X-10 raytube is described, which helps measuring an additional set of scan data.

Abstract: A fast dose modulation using a z-deflection in a rotating anode or a rotating frame tube, where the electron beam is deflected from a first focal spot region to a second focal spot region being formed on the anode, wherein only the electromagnetic beam generated in the first focal spot region contributes to the useful electromagnetic exposure beam, wherein the second focal spot region is designed to avoid emission of electromagnetic beams into the direction of a useful electromagnetic beam direction.

Abstract: A multiple focal spot X-ray tube (100) comprising an electron source (105), which is adapted to generate an electron beam (106), an anode (110), which is arranged within the electron beam (106) and which comprises a first focal spot portion (120) and a second focal spot portion (130), whereby the second focal spot portion (130) is spatially separated from the first focal spot portion (120). The X-ray tube (100) further comprises a first electron beam manipulation unit (125), which is adapted to interact with the electron beam (106), when the electron beam (106) impinges onto the first focal spot portion (120), and a second electron beam manipulation unit (135), which is adapted to interact with the electron beam (106), when the electron beam (106) impinges onto the second focal spot portion (130).

Abstract: X-ray tube and method for determination of focal spot properties The invention relates to an x-ray tube (1) comprising at least one cathode (3) which emits electrons accelerated towards a rotating anode (5) such that the focal spot (27) is formed on a surface (9) of the anode (5). A structure (15), in particular slits or pits (13), is disposed on the surface (9) of the anode (5). The x-ray tube (1) comprises a detector (7) for detecting a detection signal which changes, if the structure (15) on the rotating anode (5) passes the focal spot. The x-ray tube (1) further comprises determination means (6) for determining properties of the focal spot from changes of the detection signal. Thus, properties of the focal spot can be determined from changes of the detection signal during operation of the x-ray tube (1).

Abstract: It is described an X-ray tube (100) comprising a rotating anode (130), which is provided with a pull electrode (140). The pull electrode (140) interacts with a fixed electron source (110) in order to generate a modulated electron beam (120a, 120b). The beam modulation may be an intensity variation and/or a spatial deflection. The pull electrode (140) is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the anode (130) and rotates together therewith. The pull electrode (140) may have a hole (141) for passing the electron beam (120a). When being in front of the electron source (110), the pull electrode (140) causes a high electric field (142a) such that a strong electron beam (120a) is generated. When being not in front of the electron source (110) only a low current or a zero current electron beam (120b) is generated.

Abstract: X-ray tube and method for determination of focal spot properties. The invention relates to an x-ray tube (1) comprising at least one cathode (3) which emits electrons accelerated towards a rotating anode (5) such that the focal spot (27) is formed on a surface (9) of the anode (5). A structure (15), in particular slits or pits (13), is disposed on the surface (9) of the anode (5). The x-ray tube (1) comprises a detector (7) for detecting a detection signal which changes, if the structure (15) on the rotating anode (5) passes the focal spot. The x-ray tube (1) further comprises determination means (6) for determining properties of the focal spot from changes of the detection signal. Thus, properties of the focal spot can be determined from changes of the detection signal during operation of the x-ray tube (1).