Abstract: A voltage control section for controlling a pulsed acceleration voltage applied between a photoelectron releasing layer and an X-ray target in order to accelerate a photoelectron is further provided, so that the acceleration voltage is maintained at a pulse top voltage until the X-ray target is bombarded with the photoelectron after the photoelectron is released from the photoelectron releasing layer. The pulse width of acceleration voltage can be set narrower to such an extent that no discharge occurs, which enables the pulse top voltage to become higher, whereby the energy of pulse X-rays can be made higher by enhancing the speed of photoelectrons.

Abstract: Medical system comprising an X-ray tube unit catheter 302 and an X-ray tube unit including a miniaturised X-ray tube 301, wherein the X-ray tube unit is adapted to be inserted into the X-ray tube unit catheter in order to generate X-ray radiation at a treatment position in a vessel within a human or animal body.The X-ray tube is provided with a distal electrical pole and a proximal electrical pole. The proximal pole is connected via an insulated electrical conductor 305 to an external power source. The distal pole is connectable to a conducting means 304 at the inner surface of the catheter wall via distal connecting means 303. The conducting means has a predetermined length extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter and is connected via an insulated electrical conductor to the external power source. During treatment the X-ray tube unit is adapted to be moved in relation to the X-ray tube unit catheter, wherein the distal pole is electrically connected to the conducting means.

Abstract: X-ray-generation devices are disclosed that generate X-rays in a stable manner over extended periods of time. An exemplary device includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode coaxially arranged, and an insulating member. A nozzle connected to a reservoir of fluid target material directs a flow of fluid target material to the anode electrode. Meanwhile, a pulsed high voltage is applied between the anode electrode and cathode electrode in coordination with the supply of target material. The pulses are timed such that, whenever a unit of target material reaches a tip of the anode electrode, a plasma sheath generated at the surface of the insulating member also reaches the tip of the anode electrode. Hence, the target material is supplied automatically as required to produce X-rays continuously over an extended time period. Intense X-ray fluxes can be produced in a stable manner by monitoring the rate at which target material is supplied to the plasma, relative to the timing of discharge pulses.

Abstract: A miniaturized, optically driven, therapeutic radiation source is disclosed in which the voltage gradient between a high electron accelerating voltage and the ground potential can be controlled. The electron source and the target element are disposed within a capsule which defines a substantially evacuated region extending along an electron beam axis. The inner surface of the capsule is coated with a weakly conductive or semiconductive coating, so that a substantially uniform voltage gradient is maintained within the evacuated capsule. In this way, the chances of electric flashover or breakdown are reduced. Also, secondary emissions of electrons striking the inner wall of the capsule are reduced. X-ray production efficiency is optimized by maximizing the percentage of electrons propagated directly to the target.

Abstract: A therapeutic radiation source includes a spiral-shaped, laser-heated thermionic cathode. A fiber optic cable directs a beam of radiation, having a power level sufficient to heat at least a portion of the electron-emissive surface to an electron emitting temperature, from a laser source onto the cathode. The cathode generates an electron beam along a beam path by thermionic emission, and strikes a target positioned in its beam path. The target includes radiation emissive material that emits therapeutic radiation in response to incident accelerated electrons from the electron beam. The spiral-shaped conductive element has a plurality of spaced apart turns, and is disposed in a vacuum. An interstitial spacing is defined between adjacent turns, so that heat transfer across the spacing between each adjacent turn is essentially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing heat loss in the cathode caused by thermal conduction.

Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.

Abstract: An x-ray emitting window is formed at a front end face, and a taper surface tilted with respect to the x-ray emitting direction is formed near the emitting window, whereby an object to be inspected can be prevented from abutting against the front end face even if the object is pivoted about an axis intersecting the emitting direction while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting window. As a consequence, while the object is disposed closer to the x-ray emitting position, the orientation of the object can be changed. Therefore, when inspecting the internal structure of the object and the like by irradiating the object with x-rays and detecting the x-rays transmitted through the object, not only a magnified penetration image of the object with a high magnification rate is obtained, but also the internal structure of the object and the like can be verified in detail by changing the orientation of the object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an X-ray device is described including the step of coupling a housing that includes diamond to an anode structure that includes diamond. Further, a target metal may be formed on a tip of the anode structure. An X-ray device is also described including a housing made of diamond, a cathode within the housing, and an anode structure that includes diamond. The anode structure may include conductive diamond, while the housing structure may include high resistivity diamond.

Abstract: An X-ray beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a target window. An electron generator is positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons that are directed at the target window for forming X-rays. The X-rays pass through the target window in an X-ray beam.

Abstract: A converter and method for converting electron energy to irradiative energy comprising foam and/or foil. Foam and foil optionally comprise a high-Z material, such as, but not limited to, tantalum.

Abstract: A portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer apparatus comprising a housing; a high voltage energized x-ray source operably secured within the housing; and an unheated electron cathode, operably linked to the high voltage energized x-ray source, thereby eliminating the need for a cathodic electron power supply for spectrometric analysis. Another embodiment comprises a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer having a housing, an integrated x-ray tube, a high voltage power supply operably linked to the integrated x-ray tube, and a mechanism for controlling the x-ray emissions of the x-ray tube and power supply including an electron suppression grid operably positioned between a filament cathode and a target anode of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a window frame and window for use in an x-ray tube, wherein the new structure reduces deforming stresses on the window produced by pressure differential incident upon the window. The support structure of the window frame to which the window is attached is angled toward the interior of the x-ray tube to an angle equaling the deflection to which a window is typically subjected in standard window frames. A window mounted to a frame in accordance with the present invention is subjected to reduced or eliminated deforming stresses, even in high deflection stress environments including air bake x-ray tube manufacturing processes. This elimination of deforming stresses allows for the use of thinner x-ray tube windows enabling a higher transmissivity of produced x-rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum arc discharge power supply. The power supply may be a high frequency resonant AC supply or it may be rectified to give resonant DC. The power supply of the present invention may be used in x-ray production, vacuum arc deposition equipment, vacuum metal refining, ion implantation devices, or other applications that perform vacuum arc discharge.

Abstract: An improved efficiency x-ray source comprised of a fluorescent x-ray tube and resonant high voltage power supply. The fluorescent x-ray tube is an arc discharge tube filled with a low-pressure vapor, xenon for example, that is excited by high-frequency, high-voltage pulses to produce x-rays. The power supply passes arcs through the tube that produce significantly more radiation per unit energy than equivalent conventional vacuum x-ray tubes. The power supply may be a high frequency resonant AC supply or it may be rectified to give resonant DC. The fluorescent tube is driven in cold cathode mode, avoiding a fragile filament. The arc gap may also be large or very small in order to serve as a broad beam source or point source.

Abstract: An X-ray emission device having a microwave source and a resonant chamber. The resonant chamber contains a hermedically sealed volume of gas, a magnetic structure defining a geometrical electron-confinement zone in which electrons move at high speed. At least one target is placed in an electron path in order to emit X-rays. Each target is offset with respect to a mid-region of the geometrical conbinement zone.

Abstract: An x-ray tube having a cathode and an anode disposed within an evacuated housing is disclosed. The cathode is spaced apart from a target surface formed on the anode and the anode is placed at a positive voltage relative to the cathode so that electrons emitted from the cathode accelerate towards and strike the target surface at a focal spot. The resulting collision produces x-rays. The cathode assembly includes a cathode support base, upon which is mounted a filament for emitting electrons. A first focusing mechanism focuses the emitted electrons into an electron beam. In illustrated embodiments, a pair of deflector plates are also supported upon the cathode support base. Voltage potentials are applied to the deflector plates so as to create a deflection region which alters the trajectory of the electron beam and thereby reposition the focal spot on the anode target.

Abstract: A high energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated chamber (12) containing a rotor (34) which rotates an anode (10) through a stream of electrons (A) in order to generate an x-ray beam (B). The rotor includes an outer cylindrical armature (38) made from a thermally and electrically conductive material. An intermediate cylindrical member (40) circumferentially engages the inside diameter of the armature. The rotor also includes a bearing assembly (C) having a bearing shaft (52) centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis (Z) of the rotor. An inner bearing member (42) is concentrically spaced from the bearing shaft and defines forward and rearward bearing grooves (46F, 46R). Forward and rearward bearing races (70F, 70R) are positioned between the inner bearing member and the bearing shaft. A plurality of forward and rearward bearings (48F, 48R) are dimensioned to be received between the forward and rearward bearing races and bearing grooves, respectively.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and an X-ray transparent window. The anode includes an X-ray-producing target having a surface. The cathode has an electron-beam axis which intersects the target surface at a focal point and which is oriented at a first angle, with respect to the target surface, wherein the first angle is generally twenty degrees. The window includes a surface having a center point. A line between the focal and center points makes a second angle, with respect to the target surface, wherein the second angle is generally seven degrees. A method for producing X-rays employs these angles.

Abstract: An insulating housing shell for a miniature x-ray emitter is provided. The housing shell is cut from a quartz monocrystal which is a suitable material for the insulating housing shell due to its resistivity and dielectric strength properties. The x-ray emitter can be inserted into a subject's body to deliver x-ray radiation. The emitter includes a cable, having a proximal and a distal portion. The insulating housing shell is coupled to the distal portion of the cable, and an anode and a cathode are disposed within the insulating housing shell. The cathode has a granular surface and is operative with the anode and the connector to produce the x-ray radiation. The cathode is composed of a material that also allows it to act as a getter.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through cooling passages. The coolant is then output from the passageway and directed over the cooling fins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an x-ray tube that utilizes a stationary anode assembly. The stationary anode assembly includes an anode target portion that is disposed on the target end of an anode substrate. The anode target includes an overhang portion, that functions to prevent rebounding electrons from striking the underlying anode substrate that would otherwise result in the production of errant x-rays, and that also functions to block errant x-rays produced at the substrate from exiting the x-ray tube. Embodiments also include an anode target having a target surface that is formed with a contoured shape that functions to direct any rebounding electrons towards the center of the anode target surface, and away from the underlying anode substrate. The present invention is particularly useful in preventing a secondary electron stream from emitting errant x-rays that would compromise the particular quality of the x-ray that the x-ray device is designed to generate.

Abstract: Miniature X-ray source comprising a support structure provided with a through-going hole, an anode is arranged at one end and a cathode (8,24) at the other end of the hole, thereby defining a cavity, the anode and cathode are adapted to be energised in order to generate X-ray radiation. The support structure has a cross-sectional shape that is determined such that a desired radiation distribution of the radiation generated by the X-ray source is achieved. Also a method of manufacturing miniature X-ray sources is disclosed.

Abstract: Miniature X-ray source comprising an insulation structure defining a cavity where an anode and a cathode are arranged, said cavity being evacuated, connecting means arranged to connect the anode and the cathode to a high voltage source in order to energise the X-ray source. The insulation structure includes a first layer and a second layer, the first layer facing the cavity and has a low gas permeability, and the second layer is arranged outside said first layer and has a high electrical break-through voltage. The electrical break-through voltage for the insulation structure is above a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 in which a cathode 73 is heated to emit electrons 80, and the electrons 80 are bombarded against an anode target 32, thereby generating X-rays 81, includes a stem substrate 4 mounted on an opening 22 of a container 21 housing the cathode 73, a plurality of pins 5 extending through the insulating substrate 4 and adapted to supply a voltage into the container 21, and pin covers 6 mounted on the pins 5 in the container 21 and arranged at positions away from a surface of the stem substrate 4 to cover base portions of the pins 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window transparent to electron rays comprising a foil (1; 101) which is transparent to electron rays and an element (2; 102) for supporting a peripheral region (1a, 1b) of the foil transparent to electron rays in the operational state, which element is made from a material having a greater linear thermal expansion coefficient than the foil material, with an intermediate layer (4; 104a, b) which is arranged between the foil (1; 101) and a retaining element (2; 102) acting as a support element and which consists of a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient which is equal or similar to the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the foil material and smaller than the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the retaining element, seen over the processing temperature range.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising a scanning beam x-ray source configured to projected at least one x-ray beam in a generally upward direction. When the generated x-rays are scattered they are scattered in a direction predominantly away from x-ray sensitive areas of attending staff. The unscattered x-rays are subsequently received at a detector and an image is reconstructed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window transparent to electron rays comprising a foil (1, 10, 300a) transparent to electron rays and separated from a carrier substrate as well as a retaining element (2, 300b) for supporting a peripheral region of the foil transparent to electron rays in the operational state, which retaining element (2, 300b) is made of a material which has a linear thermal expansion coefficient which matches the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the foil material.

Abstract: A miniature x-ray source capable of producing broad spectrum x-ray emission over a wide range of x-ray energies. The miniature x-ray source comprises a compact vacuum tube assembly containing a cathode, an anode, a high voltage feedthru for delivering high voltage to the anode, a getter for maintaining high vacuum, a connection for an initial vacuum pump down and crimp-off, and a high voltage connection for attaching a compact high voltage cable to the high voltage feedthru. At least a portion of the vacuum tube wall is highly x-ray transparent and made, for example, from boron nitride. The compact size and potential for remote operation allows the x-ray source, for example, to be placed adjacent to a material sample undergoing analysis or in proximity to the region to be treated for medical applications.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an X-ray device is described including the step of coupling a housing that includes diamond to an anode structure that includes diamond. Further, a target metal may be formed on a tip of the anode structure. An X-ray device is also described including a housing made of diamond, a cathode within the housing, and an anode structure that includes diamond. The anode structure may include conductive diamond, while the housing structure may include high resistivity diamond.

Abstract: X-ray emission device comprising a casing opened by a window and an X-ray tube placed in the casing, the tube comprising an anode assembly equipped with an anode, a cathode assembly equipped with a cathode and an envelope containing the anode and the cathode, the anode assembly including a means of longitudinal positioning of the tube in the casing and the cathode assembly including a means of angular positioning of the tube in the casing on a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A technology for generating femtosecond time regime x-ray pulses for application to the study of the structure and reactions of biological molecules, photosynthesis reactions, semiconductor device fabrication, structural determination and dynamic performance, and other chemical, biological and physical processes taking place on sub-picosecond time scales. Electrons are accelerated to hundreds of keV to tens of MeV energies using high energy, femtoseconds duration laser pulses, and are then converted to x-rays by one of several physical processes. Because the laser accelerated electrons have the pulse width of the laser driver, extremely short (less than 100 femtoseconds) x-ray pulses can be produced from these electrons. The x-ray energy and emittance can be controlled by electron beam production and beam transport techniques and/or collimators or x-ray optical systems.

Abstract: An X-ray generator includes a hermetically sealed main generator unit, and an electron gun and a target housed inside the main generator unit, and bombards the target with electrons emitted from the electron gun and passes an X-ray beam emitted from the surface of the target owing to the bombardment to the exterior through an exit window. An X-ray optical element is provided inside the main generator unit on the output path of the X-ray beam emitted from the target for regulating the X-ray beam and the X-ray beam regulated by the X-ray optical element is passed through the exit window. This configuration improves the durability of the X-ray optical element and enables the length of the X-ray path to the X-ray irradiation point to be shortened so as to suppress attenuation of the emitted X-ray beam by air resistance and thereby reduce power consumption.

Abstract: An industrial X-ray/electron beam source includes an accelerator having a) a coaxial cavity b) an electron gun for emitting an electron beam to be accelerated, c) at least one deflection magnet positioned outside of the cavity, and d) a radio frequency power supply means for supplying power of a radio frequency to the cavity to induce TM010 mode as an accelerating mode in the cavity; and a beam irradiator having a two-dimensional scanning magnet which deflects accelerated beam by the accelerator, an extracting window for extracting the deflected electron beam to be irradiated to an object, and means for guiding the deflected beam toward a center of the extracting window in a radial direction. The source is advantageous in that the electron beams do not intersect inside the cavity, which can reduce beam loss, and that beams or X-rays are irradiated to the object spatially uniformly.

Abstract: The present invention related to miniaturized x-ray tubes, that enable radiation treatment by locating the x-ray source within a human body in close vicinity to or inside of the area to be treated with X-rays. Advantageously, the present invention eliminates most of the problems related to the methods based on a radioactive source and offers a method for efficient and controllable radiation treatment.

Abstract: A dosimeter for an x-ray brachytherapy system permits in situ monitoring and control of radiation treatment via a miniaturized energy transducer within a human body. The dosimeter comprises a scintillating optical fiber having a distal end which is placed at the treatment site and a proximal end which is coupled to a dosimeter measurement unit. Utilizing energy supplied by an energy source, the miniaturized transducer generates x-ray photons. The scintillating optical fiber absorbs x-ray photons, converts the x-ray photons into light photons, and conveys the light photons to a dosimeter measurement unit. The light photons are converted into an electrical current which is representative of the intensity of the x-ray photons. The dosimeter measurement unit utilizes the electrical current to calculate and display the instantaneous and accumulated radiation dose, and radiation dose parameters are utilized to adjust energy levels, which are sent to the miniature energy transducer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a radiation source comprising a power supply, a flexible fiber optic cable assembly, a light source, and a target assembly. The power supply includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and elements for establishing an output voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal. The flexible fiber optical cable assembly has an originating end and a terminating end, and includes a fiber optical element extending from the originating end to the terminating end. The cable is adapted for transmitting light incident on the originating end to the terminating end. The light source includes elements for generating a beam of light at and directed to the originating end of the fiber optical cable assembly. The target assembly is affixed to the terminating end of the fiber optical cable assembly and is electrically coupled to the power supply by way of the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube which includes a sleeve bearing which is composed of an inner and an outer bearing segment, the outer bearing segment including intermediate pieces and a holder on which the intermediate pieces bear so as to transfer the bearing forces. Suitable shaping of the external surfaces of the intermediate pieces and the inner surfaces of the holder which contact these outer surfaces ensures that the intermediate pieces become aligned with the bearing surfaces on the inner bearing segment. This strongly reduces the complexity of manufacture.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 in which a cathode 73 is heated to emit electrons 80, and the electrons 80 are bombarded against an anode target 32, thereby generating X-rays 81, includes a stem substrate 4 mounted on an opening 22 of a container 21 housing the cathode 73, a plurality of pins 5 extending through the insulating substrate 4 and adapted to supply a voltage into the container 21, and pin covers 6 mounted on the pins 5 in the container 21 and arranged at positions away from a surface of the stem substrate 4 to cover base portions of the pins 5.

Abstract: A rotating x-ray tube comprises an anode assembly having an anode target for distributing heat generated at a focal spot. The x-ray tube further comprises a cathode assembly for producing X-rays upon impact with the anode. A target angle matching cathode cup structure is associated with the cathode assembly. The angled cathode cup structure creates a parallel surface between the cathode and the target to provide a focused electron beam.

Abstract: Air cooled x-ray generating apparatus is provided with a unitary vacuum enclosure having a rotating anode target and a cathode assembly for generating x-rays. The cathode assembly may be placed within the vacuum enclosure through an opening in the top wall thereof, and comprises a disk which completely covers this opening. The unitary vacuum enclosure and the disk form a radiation shield. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior side wall of the vacuum enclosure, and a shroud is attached to the fins to provide additional protection of ambient against radiation. The cathode assembly may be placed through a side wall of the vacuum enclosure. The additional protection against excessive radiation in this design is provided by a shielding member placed in proximity to the anode target. The shielding member extends from the side wall of the enclosure and is substantially parallel to the top wall.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for emitting x-rays which includes an anode and a cathode is disclosed herein. The x-ray tube includes a housing, an anode disposed in the housing and including a target, a cathode disposed in the housing at a distance from the anode, and a heat pipe thermally coupled to the cathode and extending away from the electron emitter. The cathode includes an electron emitter which is configured to emit electrons which hit the target of the anode and produce x-rays. The heat pipe provides transfer of thermal energy away from the electron emitter and into a heat sink.

Abstract: An X-ray tube 1 includes spacer 8 which is cylindrical so it does not block electrons 80 directed from a grid electrode 72 toward a focusing electrode 25, and which has one end 8b fixed to the grid electrode 72 and the other end 8c abutting against the focusing electrode 25. The distance between the grid electrode 72 and focusing electrode 25 is set to a predetermined distance by the spacer 8.

Abstract: In an electrode combination for a radiation head for the generation of electromagnetic radiation comprising an anode means having a tip end component and a cathode means, the tip end component comprising a material able to facilitate, in response to a predetermined pulse voltage applied between the anode means and cathode means, the generation of electromagnetic radiation, the improvement wherein the electrode combination comprises a trigger electrode, the tip end component, the cathode means and the trigger electrode being spaced apart from each other by a respective predetermined distance.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprising an electron gun assembly having an electron gun container housing an electron generator for generating electrons in a first direction along a first axis. The beam of electrons impinges upon an anode which emits x-rays in response to the beam of electrons. The gun container is characterized by having a discharge end comprising a solid spherical shape.

Abstract: A short-wavelength electromagnetic-radiation generator includes a pair of concave reflectors, a laser source for emitting a laser beam so as to be incident between the concave reflectors, and an electron beam generator for emitting an electron beam so as to be incident on the laser beam, which is repeatedly reflected and converged.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating high-intensity x-rays for medical, industrial, and scientific purposes. A thin radiator is placed inside a betatron as an internal target. The radiators are thin enough and the energy of the electron beam is high enough such that the electrons pass through the radiator and return a plurality of times. The average current through the thin radiator is increased by the average number of times the electrons pass through the radiator. Thus, both the average x-ray power and the wall-plug efficiency of the apparatus are increased. In addition, for the betatron the required electron-beam energy is much smaller than that require for recirculation in storage ring and microwave-power cavity acceleration booster rings. This is because the path length around betatron toroid is much shorter; thus, the recycling process is less affected by scattering and energy loss.

Abstract: An evacuated tube (24) includes an envelope (50) and an electrode (78) in the tube envelope (50). The electrode (78) is electrically connected to conductors (74a, 74b) that extend through the tube envelope (50). A getter (72) is included in the tube envelope (50) and is electrically connected to the conductors (74a, 74b) extending through the tube envelope (50). Diodes (82a, 82b) are connected to the electrode (78) and the getter (72) for selectively providing electrical energy through the conductors (74a, 74b) extending through the tube envelope (50) to one of the electrode (78) and the getter (72).

Abstract: An X-ray generating system includes a first high-voltage source generating a first high voltage; a second high=voltage source generating a second high voltage different from the first high voltage; and an X-ray generator. The X-ray generator includes a first assembly having a first cathode and a first anode for emitting a first X-ray beam from a first focal point on the first anode upon application of the first high voltage to the first assembly. The X-ray generator further includes a second assembly having a second cathode and a second anode for emitting a second X-ray beam from a second focal point on the second anode upon application of the second high voltage to the second assembly. The two X-ray beams exit the X-ray generator parallel to one another.

Abstract: A low cost small-scale tunable X-ray source, comprising a spherical-electron injected inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device. Within a spherical containment vessel (402) recirculatory focusing electrons are accelerated by a spherical grid (401) within the vessel, and cause electron—electron collisions in a dense, central plasma core region (404) of the sphere. The IEC synchrotron source (IEC-SS) in a mechanism for generating tunable X-ray radiation is essentially equivalent to that for conventional synchrotron sources. The IEC-SS operates at a much lower electron energy (<100 kev compared with >200 Mev in a synchrotron), but still gives the same X-ray energy due to the small-scale bending radius associated with the electron—electron interactions. The X-rays can be filtered for particular purposes using diffraction gratings, prisms or the like.

Abstract: The apparatus is an x-ray tube which generates collimated x-rays. The x-ray tube anode has an x-ray generating structure which is a single crystal, so that regardless of their locations of origin all the x-ray beams leave the structure at the same limited few angles. With the structure formed as a curve, one set of beams converges at the focal point of the curve, and with the structure flat, the beams illuminate an area with parallel, collimated, x-ray beams.