Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a cathode and a target assembly positioned to receive electrons emitted from the cathode. The target assembly includes a target and a spiral groove bearing (SGB) configured to support the target. The SGB includes a rotatable component having a first surface and a first material attached to the first surface, a stationary component having a second surface and a second material attached to the second surface, the stationary component positioned such that a gap is formed between the first material and the second material, and a liquid metal positioned in the gap. At least one of the first and second materials has a thickness greater than 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A composite target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate and at least one material applied to the target substrate with a laser beam.

Abstract: A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate, a target shaft attached to the target substrate, and a radiation emissive coating applied to at least one of the target substrate and the target shaft, wherein a center-of-gravity of the target is positioned between a front bearing assembly and a rear bearing assembly of an x-ray tube.

Abstract: A composite target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate and at least one material applied to the target substrate with a laser beam.

Abstract: A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate, a target shaft attached to the target substrate, and a radiation emissive coating applied to at least one of the target substrate and the target shaft, wherein a center-of-gravity of the target is positioned between a front bearing assembly and a rear bearing assembly of an x-ray tube.

Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.

Abstract: An x-ray anode for use in an x-ray tube is provided. The x-ray anode includes a substrate material, a target material, and one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers. The target material is coupled to the one or more graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers and the graded coefficient of thermal expansion material layers are coupled to the substrate material. A method of making the x-ray anode is also provided.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus having an anode stem assembly with explosion-bonded joints is provided. Explosion-bonding the components of an anode stem assembly to one another provides a hermetic seal with increased reliability as well as reducing the anode stem's susceptibility to thermal and/or mechanical induced fracture. By eliminating the need for brazing and/or welding material within the anode stem, the present invention also provides an anode stem with increased heat transfer capabilities. Further, providing explosion-bonded joints creates a simple joint microstructure absent any voids and temperature-induced phases not previously present in the anode stem materials.

Abstract: A high performance x-ray tube rotating target having a reactive barier layer between the substrate and the emissive coating and, if desired, a protective layer of molybdenum between the reactive barrier and the emissive coating is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite target for an x-ray tube has a graphite substrate portion and a metal portion, the two portions being bonded together by platinum and platinum alloying materials. The preferred alloying materials are tungsten and nickel which act in conjunction with the platinum to improve the bond resulting in an x-ray tube having a longer life span.

Abstract: A composite target for an x-ray tube has a graphite substrate portion and a metal portion, the two portions being bonded together by a platinum braze. A tantalum wetting agent layer on the graphite acts to improve the bond by causing the platinum to better wet the graphite portion.

Abstract: An x-ray tube target has improved heat dissipation by applying a layer of diamond between the focal track and the target body. The diamond layer can be applied directly to a graphite target body, a graphite disc covered with silicon carbide or to a disc composed of an molybdenum alloy such as TZM.

Abstract: A composite target for an x-ray tube has a graphite substrate portion and a metal portion, the two portions being bonded together by a platinum brace. A tantalum wetting agent layer on the graphite acts to improve the bond by causing the platinum to better wet the graphite portion.