Abstract: An X-ray source including a liquid target source configured to provide a liquid target in an interaction region of the X-ray source, an electron source adapted to provide an electron beam directed towards the interaction region, such that the electron beam interacts with the liquid target to generate X-ray radiation, and an electron collector arranged at a distance downstream of the interaction region, as seen along a travel direction of the electron beam. The electron collector includes an impact portion configured to absorb electrons of the electron beam impinging thereon, and the impact portion is arranged so as to be oblique with respect to the travel direction of the electron beam at the impact portion.

Abstract: X-ray sources including an electron source, an adjustment means for adjusting an orientation of the electron beam generated by the electron source, a focusing means configured to focus the electron beam in accordance with a focusing setting, a beam orientation sensor arranged to generate a signal indicating an orientation of the electron beam relative to a target position, and a controller that is operably connected to the focusing means, the beam orientation sensor and the adjustment means. Also, X-ray sources including a target orientation sensor and a target adjustment means, wherein the controller is configured to cause the beam adjustment means and/or target adjustment means to adjust the relative orientation between the electron beam and the target.

Abstract: A method in an X-ray source configured to emit, from an interaction region, X-ray radiation generated by an interaction between an electron beam and a target, the method including the steps of: providing the target; providing the electron beam; deflecting the electron beam along a first direction relative the target; detecting electrons indicative of the interaction between the electron beam and the target; determining a first extension of the electron beam on the target, along the first direction, based on the detected electrons and the deflection of the electron beam; detecting X-ray radiation generated by the interaction between the electron beam and the target; and determining a second extension of the electron beam on the target, along a second direction, based on the detected X-ray radiation.

Abstract: A method for controlling an X-ray source configured to emit, from an X-ray spot on a target, X-ray radiation generated by an interaction between an electron beam and the target, wherein the X-ray spot is determined by the field of view of an X-ray optical system of the X-ray source. The method includes providing the target, providing the electron beam forming an electron spot on the target and interacting with the target to generate X-ray radiation, and adjusting a width and total power of the electron beam such that a maximum of the power density profile in the electron spot is below a predetermined limit, and such that a total power delivered to the target in the X-ray spot is increased.

Abstract: A solid X-ray target for generating X-ray radiation is disclosed. The X-ray target includes at least one material selected from a list including trivalent elements; and at least one material selected from a list including pentavalent elements, wherein a first one of the materials is capable of generating the X-ray radiation upon interaction with an electron beam, and a second one of the materials forms a compound with the first one of the materials. An X-ray source including such an X-ray target and an electron source is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides improvements of resolution and contrast in the field of x-ray imaging by using a line emitting, quasi-monochromatic x-ray source for x-ray fluorescence computed tomography. A particular type of x-ray source suitable for this is a line emitting liquid-jet-anode x-ray source. X-ray fluorescence is obtained using nanoparticles, preferably coated nanoparticles with a metallic core. The x-ray radiation from the x-ray source is shaped and filtered using energy dispersive optics before being delivered to the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The disclosure provides improvements of resolution and contrast in the field of x-ray imaging by using a line emitting, quasi-monochromatic x-ray source for x-ray fluorescence computed tomography. A particular type of x-ray source suitable for this is a line emitting liquid-jet-anode x-ray source. X-ray fluorescence is obtained using nanoparticles, preferably coated nanoparticles with a metallic core. The x-ray radiation from the x-ray source is shaped and filtered using energy dispersive optics before being delivered to the nanoparticles.