Abstract: An electron beam computed tomography system is provided that uses a cone beam geometry to generate truly three-dimensional images. The required cone beam projections can be obtained using a single sweep of the electron beam along the target ring (20). The target ring (20) is non-planar and shaped roughly like a ?th segment of the boundary curve of a saddle. The resulting source trajectory satisfies Tuy's completeness condition with respect to a sizeable volume of interest around the isocenter of the system. The detector (28) has a large area and is built from a plurality of small, brick-shaped detector modules (32), which are placed side by side along a detector trajectory that is a mirror image, through the isocenter, of the source trajectory. Owing to the special shapes of the target ring and the detector strip, a cone-beam of x-rays starting from the target ring and heading towards the opposite segment of the detector strip is not blocked by other portions of the detector.

Abstract: An X-ray scanner comprises an array (12) of X-ray detectors (16) arranged in cylindrical configuration around an imaging volume (28), and a multi-focus X-ray source (20) which extends in a helical configuration around the outside of the detector array (12). A helical gap (24) in the detector array (12) allows X-rays from the source (20) to pass through the patient (26) in the imaging volume (28), and onto the detectors (16) on the opposite side of the scanner. The source (20) is controlled so that the X-rays are produced from a number of source points along the helical locus (23) to produce a tomographic image. As the patient is stationary and the source point varied electrically, the scanning rate is sufficient to produce a series of images which can be displayed as a real time three-dimensional video image.

Abstract: A system and method for space control and remote monitoring is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a frequency modulated signal is emitted from a radioscopic device having an antenna. The frequency of the reflected signal from a target is compared with the emitted frequency modulated signal to obtain a low-frequency signal. The low-frequency signal is processed to form signal pulsations spectrum using a fast Fourier transform. Each spectrum frequency represents a distance to the target.

Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography apparatus has a stationary x-ray detector that at least partially surrounds the examination volume in one plane and a stationary device for generation of x-ray radiation. The device for generation of x-ray radiation is composed of an x-ray source that extends annularly around the examination volume over an angle of at least 180° as well as one or more light scanning units with which an x-ray focus moving along the x-ray source can be generated on the x-ray target by scanning of the x-ray source with a light beam, from which x-ray target an x-ray beam is directed through the examination volume onto respective, momentarily opposite detector elements of the stationary x-ray detector. The computed tomography apparatus has one or more light scanning units are arranged and fashioned outside of a central ring axis of the x-ray source such that only an angle range <360° is respectively scanned with each light scanning unit without crossing the ring axis.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, for analyzing an object, comprising: a radiation source for transmission of radiation through said object in a section plane of said object; a radiation detector for detecting said radiation in said section plane of said object after transmission through said object; and a masking device for masking out a part of said radiation, wherein said masked part of said radiation is movable in said section plane relative to said radiation detector during said analysis of said object.

Abstract: A fifth generation x-ray computed tomography system has at least one electron beam generator that generates at least one electron beam, an anode ring or partial anode ring arranged concentrically around a system axis, from which x-ray radiation can be generated at a number of focus positions by striking the ring or partial ring with the at least one electron beam, a detector ring or partial detector ring arranged concentrically around the system axis, with a number of detector elements forming at least one detector row to detect the impinging x-ray radiation; and a rotatable support frame on which filter and collimator elements are carried. The filter and collimator elements are arranged at the focus on the support frame at at least two positions that are angularly offset relative to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data that is mathematically complete or sufficient using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a non-sequential activation is employed to acquire mathematically complete or sufficient projection data. In another embodiment, a distributed source is provided as a generally semicircular segment. In such an embodiment, an alternating activation scheme may be employed to allow one or more helices of image data to be acquired.

Abstract: There is provided an electron computer tomography method for recording a moving object (27), in which an electron beam is deflected onto an anode arc (14) in order to generate X-ray radiation which passes through an object (27) and is picked up by a detector device (28), wherein the X-ray radiation leaves the anode arc (14) in the form of a fan-shaped beam having a source trajectory (40) in the form of a circle segment around the object (27) and the starting point (41) of the source trajectory (40) can be changed.

Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) that comprises at least a stationary electron source for generating an electron beam (13), a ring-shaped, stationary X-ray source with a largely ring-shaped target (14) enclosing a measuring field (7), media for coaxially guiding (22) the electron beam (13) in the X-ray source (5) along a circular path to the ring-shaped target (14), as well as media for deflecting (21) the electron beam (13) towards the target (14), in order to generate an X-ray cluster (8) that rotates concentrically around itself for irradiating the measuring field (7) from various directions. Furthermore, the computer tomograph (1) comprises a stationary detector (6) executed as a ring shape and consisting of numerous detector elements from which a computer calculates the measured values to create an image of the examined object in the measuring field (7). The ring-shaped target (14) has numerous discrete focal areas (20) that can be scanned discontinuously by a focal point of the electron beam (13?).

Abstract: A system and method for generating X-rays comprising a waveguide having a cavity extending therethrough, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, the second sidewall having an opening extending therethrough forming or including a target therein. An electron emitter coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall for emitting electrons into the cavity, microwaves coupled into the cavity generating an electric field for accelerating the electrons through the cavity and toward the target in the opening of the second sidewall for generating X-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a unit for transmitting an X-ray at not less than two different heights of a measurement object and obtaining a given CT image. Alternatively, the X-ray CT apparatus includes a unit for causing an X-ray to pass through the measurement object and obtaining a CT image and a unit for positioning the X-ray source at not less than two different heights of the measurement object, emitting the X-ray, and obtaining the given CT image. Alternatively, the X-ray CT apparatus includes a unit for causing an X-ray to pass through the measurement object and obtaining a CT image and a unit for obtaining CT image data at a third height position between a first and a second height positions based on CT image data of the first and second height positions of the measurement object.

Abstract: This invention presents a method of image reconstruction based on static and irregular detector positioning using fan-beam back projection technique of computerized tomography.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging unit, rotating unit configured to rotate a subject about an axis of rotation relative to the X-ray imaging unit, supporting unit configured to support the subject, and a limiting unit configured to limit the range in which the X-ray imaging unit is moveable along the axis of rotation depending on the position of the supporting means relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an emitter wire (18) enclosed in a suppressor(14, 16). An extraction grid comprises a number of parallel wires (20) extending perpendicular to the emitter wire, and a focusing grid comprises a number of wires (22) parallel to the grid wires (20) and spaced apart at equal spacing to the grid wires (20). The grid wire are connected by means of switches to a positive extracting potential or a negative inhibiting potential, and the switches are controlled so that at any one time a pair of adjacent grid wires (22) are connected together to form an extracting pair, which produce an electron beam. The position of the beam is moved by switching different pairs of grid wires to the extracting potential.

Abstract: A cargo security inspection system inspecting an object moving through the system, including: a mechanical conveyance unit carrying, conveying, and defining a travel path of the object in the system; a radiation-generating unit generating ray beams for transmitting through the object; and a data collecting unit collecting transmission data about the rays having already transmitted through the object and processing the transmission data; wherein the travel path includes at least two linear sub-paths at an angle relative to each other; the data collecting unit includes at least two detector arrays receiving ray beams, each detector array corresponding to one linear sub-path, a receiving plane of each of the detector arrays disposed parallel to its corresponding linear sub-path; and in use, the radiation-generating and data collecting units remain stationary, and the object travels along its travel path and only translates on the at least two linear sub-paths without any rotation.

Abstract: A detector module, in at least one embodiment, is disclosed for x-radiation or gamma radiation that includes one or more optical waveguide sections that are arranged next to one another in order to form one or more detector rows and are optically interconnected in serial fashion. The waveguide sections include one or more converter materials for converting incident x-radiation or gamma radiation into optical radiation and are designed in such a way that optical radiation of different wavelength is generated in respectively neighboring regions along the waveguide sections upon incidence of x-radiation or gamma radiation. The present detector module, in at least one embodiment, can be implemented cost effectively with a high number of detector rows, and is of very low weight.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the identity of an object within an enclosed article. The system includes an acquisition subsystem utilizing a stationary radiation source and detector, a reconstruction subsystem, a computer-aided detection (CAD) subsystem, and a 2D/3D visualization subsystem. The detector may be an energy discriminating detector. The acquisition subsystem communicates view data to the reconstruction subsystem, which reconstructs it into image data and communicates it to the CAD subsystem. The CAD subsystem analyzes the image data to ascertain whether it contains any area of interest. Any such area of interest data is sent to the reconstruction subsystem for further reconstruction, using more rigorous algorithms and further analyzed by the CAD subsystem. Other information, such as risk variables or trace chemical detection information may be communicated to the CAD subsystem to be included in its analysis.

Abstract: A method and system of inspecting baggage to be transported from a location of origin to a destination is provided that includes generating scan data representative of a piece of baggage while the baggage is at the location of origin, and storing the scan data in a database. A rendered view representative of a content of the baggage is provided where the rendered views are based on the scan data retrieved from the database over a network. The rendered views are presented at a destination different from the origin.

Abstract: A fifth generation x-ray computed tomography system has at least one electron beam generator that generates at least one electron beam, an anode ring or partial anode ring arranged concentrically around a system axis, from which x-ray radiation can be generated at a number of focus positions by striking the ring or partial ring with the at least one electron beam, a detector ring or partial detector ring arranged concentrically around the system axis, with a number of detector elements forming at least one detector row to detect the impinging x-ray radiation; and a rotatable support frame on which filter and collimator elements are carried. The filter and collimator elements are arranged at the focus on the support frame at at least two positions that are angularly offset relative to one another.

Abstract: An integrated, multi-sensor, Level 1 screening device is described, which system provides a next-generation Explosives Detection System (EDS) that enables high throughput, while drastically reducing false alarms. In exemplary embodiments, the present system comprises a non-rotational, Computed Tomography (CT) system and a non-translational, X-ray diffraction (XRD) system, both in an inline configuration.

Abstract: An imaging system for acquiring multi-dimensional tomographic image data of an object, the imaging system having (1) a plurality of detectors to acquire image data, the detectors coupled to a supporting structure, wherein at least one of the detectors is adapted to move relative to the object during image data acquisition and wherein the detectors are adapted to rotate independently of each other, provided that image data from the detectors are collected concomitantly during a study time and (2) a data analyzer adapted to acquire and/or reconstruct the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe (24), comprises an X-ray scanner (8) arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means (26) arranged to analyse the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is claimed as an apparatus and a method for acquiring multi-angle images for a region of interest. The apparatus includes a x-ray source producing a beam of radiation; a surface to support the region of interest that moves the region of interest to at least two locations; and a x-ray detector located to receive a portion of the beam that has passed through the region of interest, the x-ray detector producing from the received portion of the beam an image. In another apparatus the surface that supports the region of interest and the detector move simultaneously while the x-ray source remains fixed.

Abstract: A check process may be performed without rotation of a radiation source or detector. A CT scan security check device may include a radiation source and a detector forming a radiation detection area, a conveyer mechanism conveying an article along a path, and a multidimensional movement mechanism causing a relative displacement between the article and the radiation detection area in a vertical direction and causing the article to rotate about a vertical axis. A CT scan security check method may include: 1) displacing the article relative to the radiation detection area in the vertical direction; 2) rotating the article; 3) during the checked article passing through the radiation detection area, obtaining data regarding a radiation ray that passes through the article; and 4) transmitting the data for a CT arithmetic reconstruction.

Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: A method includes fabricating an energy detector using a sol-gel process.

Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) that comprises at least a stationary electron source for generating an electron beam (13), a ring-shaped, stationary X-ray source with a largely ring-shaped target (14) enclosing a measuring field (7), media for coaxially guiding (22) the electron beam (13) in the X-ray source (5) along a circular path to the ring-shaped target (14), as well as media for deflecting (21) the electron beam (13) towards the target (14), in order to generate an X-ray cluster (8) that rotates concentrically around itself for irradiating the measuring field (7) from various directions. Furthermore, the computer tomograph (1) comprises a stationary detector (6) executed as a ring shape and consisting of numerous detector elements from which a computer calculates the measured values to create an image of the examined object in the measuring field (7). The ring-shaped target (14) has numerous discrete focal areas (20) that can be scanned discontinuously by a focal point of the electron beam (13?).

Abstract: A user interface is provided for manipulation of image data. In some embodiments, the interface includes a display region spanning only a locus of interdependent variable values that is exclusive of invalid pairs of parameter values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a non-sequential activation of X-ray source locations on an annular source is employed to acquire projection data. In another embodiment, a distributed source is tilted relative to an axis of the scanner to acquire the projection data. In a further embodiment, a plurality of X-ray source locations on an annular source are activated such that the aggregated signals correspond to two or more sets of spatially interleaved helical scan data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring and reconstructing projection data that is mathematically complete or sufficient using a computed tomography (CT) system having stationary distributed X-ray sources and detector arrays. In one embodiment, a non-sequential activation is employed to acquire mathematically complete or sufficient projection data. In another embodiment, a distributed source is provided as a generally semicircular segment. In such an embodiment, an alternating activation scheme may be employed to allow one or more helices of image data to be acquired.

Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography apparatus has a stationary device (3) for generating x-ray radiation from an x-ray focus that moves around the examination volume on a target that at least partially surrounds an examination volume of the apparatus in one plane. From the x-ray focus an x-ray beam is directed through the examination volume onto respective, momentarily opposite detector elements of a stationary x-ray detector that at least partially surrounds the examination volume. One or more shaping elements for influencing one or more beam parameters of the x-ray beam are arranged between the target and the detector elements. One or more of the shaping elements is/are arranged on a carrier frame that can rotate around a system axis in synchronization with the movement of the x-ray focus. The shaping elements rotating with the x-ray focus enable an optimal beam shaping and/or suppression of scatter radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for nuclear medicine imaging in which the imaging platform is attached directly to the detectors for nuclear imaging to allow for minimal constant distance between the detector(s) and the object to be imaged. As the detector moves around the object to be imaged to capture different angular views of the object, the imaging platform is rotated in a compensatory manner to maintain a its long axis perpendicular to gravity during movement of the detector. An advantage of this configuration over prior systems is the ability to obtain multiple angular projections while the distance between the detector and the object being imaged is maintained at a minimum, but the danger of detector-object collision is minimized and the necessity for orbital path calibration to preserve precision of detector movement and distance is eliminated.

Abstract: An x-ray computed tomography system uses a broad area x-ray emitter and detector to allow both in plane and out of plane x-ray projections not restrained to spiral or helical scans.

Abstract: An X-ray radiography unit (103) irradiates a patient with X-rays from a first X-ray tube (127) to obtain an X-ray two-dimensional radiographic image (PI). An X-ray CT unit (101) irradiates the patient with X-rays from a second X-ray tube (125) and acquires projection data, to reconstruct an image using the acquired projection data, thereby obtaining a tomography image (TI). A control unit (50) defines correspondences between position information of the patient located in the X-ray radiography unit and position information of the patient located in the X-ray CT unit. The clearly demonstrated positional correspondence in the X-ray hybrid diagnosis system can facilitate a diagnosis and obviates the need for extra X-raying operations, to thereby ease the strain placed on patients.

Abstract: Volumetric imaging on a radiotherapy apparatus, wherein a body, of which a volumetric image data set is to be produced, is positioned on a couch of the radiotherapy apparatus, and the couch or a bearing area of the couch or the body itself is rotated about a spatially fixed axis. During rotation, multiple x-ray images of the body or of a part of the body are produced and stored by at least one radiation source/image recorder system which is separate from the radiotherapy apparatus and whose radiation path is substantially not parallel to the spatially fixed axis. The rotational position of the couch or the bearing area of the couch or the body itself is detected while the images are produced, and the rotational position is assigned to the corresponding image, wherein a volumetric image data set of the body is reconstructed from the x-ray images by image processing and assignment by a computer system.

Abstract: An object rotating type cone beam radiation CT radiographing device in which a high speed and high sensitivity are obtained with low costs is provided. Thus, a radiation CT device of high performance for vehicle-mounted use and group medical examination can be provided at low costs. In the object rotating type cone beam radiation CT radiographing device, a rotational angle of an object is detected, a signal storage period of a batch-exposure type radiation image sensor panel is controlled on the basis of the rotational angle signal, and a signal storage period of a signal storage type reference signal generator is controlled. There is provided a radiation CT radiographing device in which the object can be photographed at arbitrary resolution during the photographing, a fluctuation of a radiation source during the photographing can be detected without using a special detector and corrected in accordance with its detection amount.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system is presented. The system includes a system controller and a plurality of sub-system controllers. Each sub-system controller is configured to facilitate generation of a radiation beam through an imaging volume in a desired sequence. In addition, the system includes a first communication link configured to couple the system controller and each of the sub-system controllers, where the first communication link is configured to communicate sequencing commands and imaging protocol data. The system also includes a second communication link configured to couple the system controller and each of the sub-system controllers, where the second communication link is configured to communicate X-ray source event data. The X-ray source event data comprises a plurality of pulses of individually addressable radiation sources. Additionally, the system includes one or more detector sections configured to receive a transmitted radiation beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the alignment of a fourth generation Computed Tomography (CT) system is provided. The method includes receiving X-ray scan data from the CT system, and processing the received X-ray scan data to automatically generate alignment correction information to align the CT system.

Abstract: Configurations for stationary imaging systems are provided. The configurations may include combinations of various types of distributed sources of X-ray radiation, which generally include addressable emitter elements which may be triggered for emission in desired sequences and combinations. The sources may be ring-like, partial ring-like, or line-like (typically along a Z-axis), and so forth. Combinations of these are envisaged. Corresponding detectors may also be full ring detectors or partial ring detectors associated with the sources to provide sufficient coverage of imaging volumes and to provide the desired mathematical completeness of the collected data.

Abstract: A radiographic device includes a radiation source which generates radiation and a detector which detects radiation from the radiation source on a two-dimensional plane and outputs an image signal, and performs radiography of a subject to be examined while rotating the radiation source and the detector relative to the subject. In this radiography, the first resolution or the second resolution lower than the first resolution is selected in accordance with a rotational position in the relative rotation. An image signal from the detector is stored as data corresponding to the resolution selected by a selection unit.

Abstract: Computed tomography scanning systems and methods using a field emission x-ray source are disclosed. An exemplary micro-computed tomography scanner comprises a micro-focus field emission x-ray source, an x-ray detector, an object stage placed between the x-ray source and the detector, an electronic control system and a computer that control the x-ray radiation and detector data collection, and computer software that reconstructs the three dimension image of the object using a series of projection images collected from different projection angles. Exemplary methods obtain a computed tomography image of an object in oscillatory motion using the micro computed tomography scanner.

Abstract: A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents, material emissions from the target, and electric field transients.

Abstract: A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents and material emissions from the target.

Abstract: This invention uses the cone beam CT (Computer Tomography) principle to obtain nondestructive image of any object. For good reconstruction datasets from 2 orthogonal planes about the object are required in order to augment the signal relative to the polar artifacts of a standard Feldkamp reconstruction algorithm. Here, we suggest a practical way of implementing the 2 orthogonal planes theory by replacing the 2 gantry rotations by 2 rotations of only one fixed gantry and one movement of the object position, making it simple and low cost. This method is applied to the non-intrusive inspection of baggage or imaging of mice for pharmaceutical purposes where the object has to remain in a horizontal plane throughout the procedure. This algorithm can also be applied to nondestructive testing of any solid materials, for example: imperfections in semi-conductors, electronic components, composite materials etc.

Abstract: Computed tomography device comprising an x-ray source and an x-ray detecting unit. The x-ray source comprises a cathode with a plurality of individually programmable electron emitting units that each emit an electron upon an application of an electric field, an anode target that emits an x-ray upon impact by the emitted electron, and a collimator. Each electron emitting unit includes an electron field emitting material. The electron field emitting material includes a nanostructured material or a plurality of nanotubes or a plurality of nanowires. Computed tomography methods are also provided.

Abstract: A stationary CT system comprising at least one annular x ray source assembly comprising a plurality of respective x ray sources spaced along the annular x ray source assembly. Each of the x ray sources comprises a respective stationary x ray target, an electron beam focusing chamber; an x ray channel; an electron beam source disposed in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the respective stationary x ray target; a vacuum chamber disposed in between the electron beam focusing chamber and an insulating chamber where the insulating chamber houses the electron beam source; a radiation window at a pre-defined angular displacement from the respective stationary x ray target and the x ray channel; and a target substrate attached to the respective stationary x ray target.

Abstract: A scanning electron beam computed tomographic system eliminates axial offset between target and detector by disposing the target, collimator, and detector such that active portions of the target and detector are always diametrically opposite each other. This result is achieved by providing a helical target, collimator, and detector, or by providing planar target, collimator, and detector components that are inclined relative to the vertical axis such that active portions of the target and detector are always diametrically opposite each other. Either configuration eliminates cone beam error and the necessity to correct for same. Further, the system can provide multi-slice scanning of an object that is in constant motion at a critical velocity, without having to interpolate data. Conventional helical scanning may still be undertaken. Detector elements can be disposed axially to improve signal/noise ratio and to produce a cone beam cancellation effect.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of a radiological imaging apparatus includes a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in a ring form around a through hole section formed on a casing into which an examinee is inserted. An X-ray source unit having an X-ray source moves in a circumferential direction of the through hole section along a ring-shaped guide rail provided on the casing. Each radiation detector outputs both an X-ray detection signal which is a detection signal of X-rays that have passed through the examinee and a ?-ray detection signal which is a detection signal of ?-rays radiated from the examinee caused by radiopharmaceutical. A computer creates an X-ray computed tomographic image data based on the X-ray detection signal and a PET image data based on the ?-ray detection signal and creates fused tomographic image data using the X-ray computed tomographic image data and the PET image data.

Abstract: An oil-free electron source including a vacuum chamber within which a vacuum is maintained. A rigid insulated receptacle and an anode extend into the vacuum chamber and are mounted to opposite ends of the housing. A cathode-focus electrode assembly is mounted to an outer end of the receptacle and is suspended within the vacuum chamber by the receptacle. A high voltage connector is inserted into the receptacle and conveys voltage in an oil-free environment. The cathode and anode surfaces face each other and are aligned with respect to each other along an electron beam axis. The electron source may be provided within an electron beam scanner including a patient table, an x-ray source and detector obtaining x-ray scans of a patient, and a focus member directing an electron beam onto the x-ray source.