Abstract: This invention is directed to an x-ray 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 present invention is directed to an x-ray source for irradiating a volume in accordance with a predetermined dose distribution. The source comprises a housing, an elongated tubular probe, and a target assembly. The housing encloses an electron beam source and includes elements for generating an electron beam along a beam path. The tubular probe extends along a central axis from the housing about the beam path. The target assembly extends along the central axis and is adapted for coupling to the end of the probe distal from the housing. The target assembly includes a target element, a probe tip assembly, and a variable transmission shield. The target element is positioned in the beam path. The target element is adapted to emit x-rays in response to electrons incident thereon from the beam. The probe tip assembly and associated control electronics include elements for positioning the target element in the beam path, and is substantially x-ray transparent.

Abstract: A high-voltage electronic tube includes a housing enclosing a vacuumized space. The housing has a cylindrical metal jacket and an annular insulating disc connected vacuumtight to an inner face of the jacket. An electrode support passes through a central opening of the annular insulating disc and is connected vacuumtight to the annular insulating disc. The electrode support positions an electrode in the vacuumized space. A metal sleeve divides the annular insulating disc into two separate annular disc parts arranged concentrically to the tube axis. The metal sleeve is connected vacuumtight to the annular disc parts.

Abstract: A toroidal x-ray tube (I) is supported (II) for rotation about a horizontal axis (170), translation along a vertical axis (172), and translation along a horizontal axis (174). The x-ray tube includes a toroidal housing (A), an annular anode (B), and a cathode (0) which rotates a beam of electrons around the annular anode. A plurality of parallel connected voltage sources (90.sub.1, 90.sub.2, . . . , 90.sub.n) provide a sufficiently high bias voltage between the electron source and the anode that x-rays are generated. The x-ray beam passes through a compensator crystal (62), an annular window (20), a collimator (132), through a subject received in a central bore (26) of the x-ray tube, and impacts an arc segment of radiation detectors (130). The x-ray detectors are stationarily mounted outside of the plane of the annular window (FIGS. 2 and 7), nutate into the plane of the windows opposite of the origin of the x-ray beam (FIG. 6 ), rotate in part (FIG. 9 ) or rotate in full (FIG.

Abstract: An electron beam scanning system producing an electron beam in a relatively short chamber includes an ion controlling electrode assembly located between the electron gun and system beam optics. The assembly includes a somewhat cone-shaped rotating field ion controlling electrode ("RICE") unit disposed between first and second ion controlling electrode units ("ICE"s). The RICE and ICEs each comprise element pairs symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the chamber Z-axis, preferably forming regular polygons in cross-section. Preferably corresponding elements in each ICE are electrically coupled to each other and to an opposite element in the RICE. Preferably equal and opposite bias potentials, with respect to an average potential, are coupled to the RICE and ICE elements comprising an element pair. Because it is somewhat cone-shaped, the RICE and electron beam create a transverse electric field with no axial component.

Abstract: Noise is reduced in an X-ray tube by inserting a non-glass insert between sections of the glass vacuum tube. The non-glass insert has an impedance which is significantly different than the impedance of the glass tube sections. This impedance mismatch inhibits vibration energy from passing from one glass section to the other. In addition to having a different impedance than the glass sections, the non-glass insert can be made of a heavier material, thus presenting sufficient mass to dissipate vibration energy. The non-glass insert is connected to the glass sections by a pair of connecting members, each of which has a coefficient of thermal expansion closely matching that of the glass sections. Each connecting member has a ring with an annular flange extending perpendicularly therefrom. The ring of each connecting member is attached a respective one of the glass sections and each flange is attached to the insert.

Abstract: An X-ray tube for greatly enhancing the output of photons relative to a standard tube includes a source of an electron beam focused on a target at an angle of approximately 10.degree. to produce high energy photons emitted at an angle along their centerline of 5.degree. to 15.degree., both angles referring to the surface of the target. Reduction of impurgement of scattered electrons on the tube window is affected in various ways such as use of a magnet to deflect electrons from the photon stream or locating the window out of alignment with the most intense scattered electrons. Scattered electrons are also absorbed by an essentially zero albedo shield disposed in the path of the majority of the scattered electrons not directed at the window.

Abstract: Improved materials for the electrodes of arc discharge devices reduce arcing damage.The materials have a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature at or below the normal operating temperature of the devices.

Abstract: A X-ray emissive vacuum tube is fully enclosed in an electrically conductive casing with electrical terminals through which bias potentials are applied to the tube. Occasionally an arc discharge occurs between electrodes within the tube generating a high frequency signal which ordinarily resonates with the conventional casings. However a resistive coating is applied to the inner surface of the case. That coating has a resistivity sufficient to lower the Q of the case to a value at which significant ringing does not result from the discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of high thermal conductivity X-ray anode sources for the production of high intensity X-rays. The anode sources are structures containing diamond (passive element) and desired target material(s) consisting of metal(s) and (or) their alloys for the generation of high intensity X-radiation of the desired wavelength.

Abstract: An X-ray tube for greatly enhancing the output of photons relative to a standard tube includes a source of an electron beam focused on a target at an angle of approximately 10.degree. to produce high energy photons emitted at an angle along their centerline of 5.degree. to 15.degree., both angles referring to the surface of the target. Reduction of impurgement of scattered electrons on the tube window is affected in various ways such as use of a magnet to deflect electrons from the photon stream or locating the window out of alignment with the most intense scattered electrons. Scattered electrons are also absorbed by an essentially zero albedo shield disposed in the path of the majority of the scattered electrons not directed at the window.

Abstract: In an x-ray tube of the beam deflection type for a radiology apparatus, the stair-steps of the focusing device of the electron beam are extended by metallic deflecting electrodes placed in parallel relation to said stair-steps and electrically insulated from these latter by means of insulating layers. Said electrodes are brought to different potentials, the polarities and values of which depend on the direction and amplitude of deflection to be obtained.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a high voltage tube includes a low inductance disk resistor connected in series with the anode of the tube. When an electrical discharge occurs within the tube, the increased anode current flows through the resistor which absorbs much of the potentially harmful energy surge. The resistor is a disk resistor comprising two counter-wound planar spirals of resistance wire electrically connected in parallel and counter-wound with respect to one another. Connection arrangements are provided to both electrically and mechanically connect the resistor to the high voltage tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of a patient having a tumor is disclosed. An X-ray generating source is positionable at a location in close proximity to the tumor. The X-ray generating source is operable at a voltage level in the range of approximately 10-60 KeV, thereby enhancing absorption of the generated X-rays by the tumor and minimizing the side effects of radiation therapy on the patient's normal tissue.

Abstract: Using electrostatic forces for controlling the location of the focal spot of the electron beam on the anode of an X-ray tube, the location is determined by a pair of detectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube used to obtain radiological images in which sharpness and contrast are improved. To this end, the X-ray tube has an anode consisting, at least partially, of a massive layer made of an X-ray emitting material in which at least one hollow part demarcates a surface exposed to a beam of electrons.

Abstract: X-ray tube construction comprising a housing with a metal tube envelope therein and a shaft. An anode plate is carried by the shaft. Bearings are disposed on opposite sides of the anode plate and rotatably mount the shaft in the envelope. A motor drive is coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft and the anode plate carried thereby. A cathode is provided for supplying electrons which are accelerated by a high voltage to the anode plate for creating x-rays upon impingement with the anode plate. A heat cage is disposed in the housing and the envelope and surrounds the anode plate. X-ray shielding is disposed within the housing between the envelope and the housing. Windows are provided in the shielding, the metal envelope and in the heat cage to permit x-rays to pass therethrough. Particularly novel means is provided for dissipating the heat generated in the anode and for dissipating the same exterior of the housing prior to the heat passing to the opposite extremities of the shaft.

Abstract: An X-ray generator has an anode formed by an electrically conductive fluid having a flat surface on which focused electrons are incident, so that X-rays are generated at a solid angle with respect to the surface, with .alpha..sub.2C being the critical angle of total reflection. For enhancing the spectral brilliance of the X-rays, a method and apparatus are disclosed wherein X-rays at a specific angle .alpha..sub.2 are tapped (the "tap angle"), with .alpha..sub.2 satisfying the condition .alpha..sub.2C <.alpha..sub.2 <3.alpha..sub.2C.

Abstract: A diode pulser is described which comprises a diode and an inductor connected in series, the impedance of the diode being controllable to suddenly increase the impedance to produce a high voltage pulse across the diode. The diode can include a pair of spaced electrodes (12, 14 in FIG. 2) forming a gap between them across which electrons move when a voltage is applied. To increase the impedance, a magnetic field (38) is suddenly applied parallel to the electrode surfaces, to bend the electron paths so as to require a much higher voltage to move the electrons across the gap, the inductor (26) creating such voltage to maintain the current flow for a brief time. The diode pulser is useful as a rapid-acting switch, and as a source of high energy electrons that are useful to generate X-rays, microwaves, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A rotating x-ray tube has a vacuum housing provided with central shafts at both sides, which are rotatably held in bearings connected to a radiator housing. An anode is rigidly mounted to the vacuum housing, and a cathode arrangement, having an eccentrically disposed cathode, is mounted on one of the shafts. The shaft supporting the cathode arrangement is hollow, and a filament transformer is disposed on the hollow shaft. A further shaft, which is rigidly connected to the cathode arrangement, is conducted through the hollow shaft. The cathode arrangement and/or the interior shaft are rotatably connected to the hollow shaft. The secondary coil of the filament transformer, which is connected to the glow helices of the cathode arrangement, is mounted on the interior shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for deriving an x-ray beam from an electron beam striking an anode at a selected angle, the x-ray beam being selectively directed to achieve optimal high intensity yield of high energy bremsstrahlung photons for a given x-ray beam cross-section. The angle of the x-ray beam relative to the anode is selected (1) to prevent anode damage and (2) to minimize undesired multiple scatter, and (3) maximize high energy photon production in the bremsstrahlung spectrum. The angles of the incident electron beam and of the emitted x-ray beam and the angle of the planes normal to the anode surface and containing the electron beam and x-ray beam, respectively, are defined to account for multiple scattering and out-scattering of electrons as well as enhanced x-ray beam intensity, and angular distribution of emitted photons of a desired energy.

Abstract: Diode for providing X-rays. A diode for generating X-rays is adapted for connection to a source of high electrical energy with the diode having a first end from which the X-rays are emitted, a second end, and axis extending between the ends. The diode includes a ring cathode connected to the electron source and an intermediate anode spaced from the cathode with at least a portion of this anode being disposed between the ring cathode and the diode first end. The intermediate anode decelerates electrons to cause the generation of X-rays emitted from the diode first end. The diode also includes an intermediate cathode disposed radially outwardly of the intermediate anode and connected to this anode. The diode further includes an inverse anode spaced from the intermediate cathode and positioned radially outwardly of the intermediate cathode and between the intermediate cathode and between the intermediate cathode and the diode second end.

Abstract: An improved rotary x-ray target wherein a rotor stud member is fastened to a hub portion, with both the stud member and the hub portion composed of a refractory metal. The fastening of the stud member to the hub portion is effected by a brazing alloy composed of the following ranges of metals expressed in weight percent: 30-70 copper; 10-55 palladium and 5-28 nickel. The brazed joint has a liquidus temperature in the range of 1145.degree.-1200.degree. C. and thus allows operating temperatures for the stud/hub joint of at least as high as 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A microfocus X-ray tube has an anode that emits X-rays and, a biproduct of its waste heat, visible and near infrared light. This invention uses the biproduct light to adjust and maintain the focus of the electron beam and enhance the performance of the X-ray tube as a point source of X-rays. Only the light is reflected by a mirror along a path in which a viewport is placed in the tube envelope. An sensor, e.g., a photodiode, or television camera, is placed in the path. A display means, e.g., a television display, meter, etc., can be connected to the sensing means to display the emitting spot of the anode or the amplitude of the emission. The focus of the X-ray tube is assured by observing the biproduct light and adjusting the electron beam to either minimize the size of the glowing spot or maximizing its apparent brightness. A method for use with an emitter of first and second types of radiation comprises reflecting only the second type of radiation, and sensing the reflected radiation.

Abstract: X-ray tube construction comprising a housing with a metal tube envelope therein and a shaft. An anode plate is carried by the shaft. Bearings are disposed on opposite sides of the anode plate and rotatably mount the shaft in the envelope. A motor drive is coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft and the anode plate carried thereby. A cathode is provided for supplying electrons which are accelerated by a high voltage to the anode plate for creating x-rays upon impingement with the anode plate. A heat cage is disposed in the housing and the envelope and surrounds the anode plate. X-ray shielding is disposed within the housing between the envelope and the housing. Windows are provided in the shielding, the metal envelope and in the heat cage to permit x-rays to pass therethrough. Particularly novel means is provided for dissipating the heat generated in the anode and for dissipating the same exterior of the housing prior to the heat passing to the opposite extremities of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a rotating anode which is driven by a magnetic bearings motor. The anodic current is outflowed by a friction-type contact device which is located inside the shaft supporting the rotor of the motor. The friction contact device is actuated so as to cut off or establish an electrical contact between an inner wall of the rotor and the friction contact device.

Abstract: A device for generating X-rays is disclosed, which includes a portion for producing plasma in a predetermined space, for generation of the X-rays, and a wall uni effective to define a surface substantially surrounding the space, the wall unit including a portion which is made of a dielectric material and which is made movable so as to compensate for consumption of the dielectric material due to the production of the plasma by the plasma producing portion. Also, an X-ray exposure apparatus usable with a mask having a pattern and a wafer, for transferring the pattern of the mask onto the wafer, is disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray tube exposure monitor for recording the emissions from a diagnostic X-ray tube. A photo diode is mounted inside the X-ray tube bulkhead and detects radiation from the X-ray tube. The photo diode is connected to a high gain amplifier and, in response to radiation being detected, the output of the amplifier sends an electronic signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor records the emission duration and the temperature of oil around the X-ray tube and increments an exposure count. The recording and exposure count is stored in non-volatile memory which is read later by a service technician.

Abstract: A diode pulser is described which comprises a diode and an inductor connected in series, the impedance of the diode being controllable to suddenly increase the impedance to produce a high voltage pulse across the diode. The diode includes concentric electrodes forming a gap between them across which electrons move. To increase the impedance, a magnetic field is suddenly applied parallel to the electrode surfaces, to bend the electron paths so as to require a much higher voltage to move the electrons across the gap, the inductor creating such voltage to maintain the current flow for a brief time. The diode pulser is useful as a rapid-acting switch, and as a source of high energy electrons that are useful to generate X-rays, microwaves, and for other purposes.

Abstract: An x-radiator, particularly useful for intra-oral dental exposures, includes a common housing having a barrel at one end, a high-voltage generator having a high-voltage transformer being arranged in the housing adjacent said barrel, and an x-ray tube being mounted in the housing at an end of the transformer opposite said barrel, said transformer having a cylindrical configuration having an opening with a longitudinal axis through which opening the x-ray beam passes from the x-ray tube through the transformer coil to the barrel.

Abstract: A cathode electrode improvement is disclosed which utilizes a front focus slot having a diverging cross-sectional area to focus an electron beam within an x-ray tube to provide a high emission, small area focal spot.

Abstract: An x-ray rotor structure wherein a target support stem has an externally threaded end portion brazed to an internally threaded surface of an encircling bushing which is provided with a barrier layer of oxidation restricting material. The stem is made of predominantly molybdenum material and the bushing is made of iron cobalt nickel alloy material having therein a small percentage by weight of titanium. The barrier layer comprises a layer of substantially pure nickel material which coats the entire inner surface of the bushing including the internally threaded portion thereof. Thus, the titanium is restricted from leaching to the surface during brazing and forming oxides which prevent the surface from being completely wetted by the brazing material. As a result, during brazing, the liquified brazing material alloys with the nickel material of the barrier layer to wet the inner surface of the bushing completely.

Abstract: A rotary anode type X-ray apparatus includes an arithmetic unit for calculating the optimum number of revolutions of the anode, on the basis of the previously measured and stored temperature-characteristic data of the X-ray tube, at least one of the tube voltages applied to the X-ray tube, the X-ray radiation time, and the tube current. According to frequency of revolution data derived from the arithmetic unit, the motor controller drives the motor to rotate the rotary anode at an appropriate number of revolutions. This number is determined by the X-ray tube drive conditions, including the tube current.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises a generally cylindrical evacuated metal tube envelope having an anode rotatably mounted therein. [The interior of the tube envelope adjacent the anode is provided with ceramic insulation to prevent flashover.] The anode is rotated by an external variable speed DC drive motor magnetically coupled through the tube envelope wall to the rotating anode assembly. [The tube envelope wall includes ferrous segments which minimize the gap in the magnetic coupling while permitting a thick and strong tube envelope wall. A variable speed DC motor or a variable speed air motor may be employed to drive the anode. In preferred embodiments, the anode drive means is electromechanically clutched to the anode, whereby the drive means can be brought up to the desired anode speed and thereafter clutched to the anode, the drive means acting as a flywheel to bring the anode quickly up to speed. Electromagnets operating as clutches are also employed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning rotating anode x-ray source comprising an evacuable housing, a rotatable cylindrical anode within the housing, a source of electrons within the housing which electrons are caused to impinge upon the anode to produce x-rays, and means for ionizing residual particles within the housing and accelerating such ions so as to impinge upon the anode to sputter impurities from the surface thereof.

Abstract: A high-intensity X-ray source generates significant heat at the anode. To help dissipate this heat, the anode is often rotated in the vacuum. Heat must still be radiated from the anode to the exterior walls. An improved X-ray source incorporates the anode in the walls of the vacuum chamber and rotates the entire chamber. The heat is then easily conducted to the exterior where it may be dissipated by connection or forced air cooling.

Abstract: An improved X-ray tube including a coaxial tube with a center conductor isolated by a cylindrical insulator from a continuous annular interior conductor disposed about the insulator. The interior conductor includes sharp edged (high gradient) longitudinally aligned gaps in its surface with these gaps further generally aligned opposite one or more high atomic number targets deployed within the interior of a partially evacuated housing. A high voltage, high frequency AC or rapidly pulsed DC electrical excitation source is connected across the center and interior conductors to develop a high voltage electric field across the conductor gaps. A high voltage single or multiple pulse generating circuit is further connected across the interior conductor and the target to produce X-rays.

Abstract: This invention describes a pulsed plasma pinch x-ray source. In the device the initial plasma annulus is derived from an electrical gas discharge in a chamber having constricted openings arranged on a circle. This low mass plasma annulus is imploded and pinched by passing high current axially through said annulus. The hot and dense pinched plasma copiously emits x-rays and has the capability of being fired at high repetition rates. The device is simple for commercial applications, such as x-ray lithography.

Abstract: With the intent of satisfying the requirement of x-ray lithography a plasma pinch x-ray source has been developed in which the initial plasma annulus is derived from a plurality of electrical arcs in vacuum. This gives a low mass liner for the standard imploding plasma liner configuration to emit suitable x-rays and has the capability of being fired at repetition rates of 10 pps or more. The simplicity of this source design is especially attractive for a commercial use environment.

Abstract: A rotatable x-ray target assembly and process for manufacturing the same is provided for an x-ray tube. The x-ray target assembly comprises an x-ray target member having an opening disposed therethrough and a support member having: a mounting surface disposed transversely to the axis of rotation, a lower surface of the target member being disposed on the mounting surface; and, a threaded stem extending from said mounting surface through the opening of the target member. The support member also comprises a nut adapted to receive the threaded stem, the nut engaging an upper surface of the target member. The target member is secured to the support member by brazing material disposed between the lower surface of the target member and the mounting surface, a first portion of the brazing material being diffused into the target member and a second portion of the brazing material being diffused into the mounting surface of the support member.

Abstract: The generation of X-radiation occurs when a powder (14,24,38,47,58) is sucted to electro-dispersion in an evacuated chamber. The powder is of a conducting or semiconducting material, and is supported on the lower of two electrodes (10,11; 22,25; 36,39; 44,48; 52,56) in the chamber. When the chamber pressure is about 10.sup.-5 Torr or lower, and a high voltage is applied across the electrodes, part of the powder forms a dispersed particulate cloud in the space between the electrodes. The dispersion of the powder results in the generation of X-radiation which is transmitted through the wall (13) of the chamber or through a window (28,35,45) in the apparatus. Visible light is produced if a phosphor (29) is included in the chamber, and is irradiated by X-rays generated upon dispersion of the powder, or if the powder includes particles of a phosphor.

Abstract: An X-ray shadow graph device comprising a light source, an X-ray tube, light connection means, a sample, an image recording device, and sample excitation means, which obtains a transmission image or transmission diffraction image of X rays with a time resolution of 10 ps or less when the sample is stimulated by a light pulse or voltage pulse signal with an extremely short duration time of approximately 1 ps.

Abstract: An X-ray tube is disclosed, which comprises an evacuated envelope having a cathode assembly and an anode assembly provided at the opposite ends of the envelope such that they face each other. The cathode assembly includes a spiral filament for generating an electron beam with a beam axis. One of the terminal ends of the spiral filament is located in the proximity of the center thereof. The anode assembly includes a conical target with a tip corresponding to the beam axis, for radiating X-rays in all directions. When a current flows with the filament of the X-ray tube, the temperature of the filament is reduced for a central portion thereof to reduce the density of electrons emitted from the central portion, thus preventing overheating of the tip of the conical target.

Abstract: A magnetically insulated diode employs a permanent magnet to generate a magnetic insulating field between a spaced anode and cathode in a vacuum. An ion source is provided in the vicinity of the anode and used to liberate ions for acceleration toward the cathode. The ions are virtually unaffected by the magnetic field and are accelerated into a target for generating an nuclear reaction. The ions and target material may be selected to generate either neutrons or gamma ray emissions from the reaction of the accelerated ions and the target. In another aspect of the invention, a field coil is employed as part of one of the electrodes. A plasma prefill is provided between the electrodes prior to the application of a pulsating potential to one of the electrodes. The field coil multiplies the applied voltage for high diode voltage applications. The diode may be used to generate a .sup.7 Li(p,.gamma.).sup.8 Be reaction to produce 16.5 MeV gamma emission.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for producing a high-efficiency beam and especially a pencil beam as applicable to the field of radiology and more especially digital radiology comprises an anode provided with a rectilinear bore and a cathode for generating an electron beam which enters the bore. The internal walls of the bore constitute an anode target which is bombarded by the electron beam in order to produce at least one x-ray beam which emerges from one end of the bore.

Abstract: A method of determining the optimum values of voltage and current for operation of an X-ray source by choosing a point of intersection at the lowest voltage value of a curve representing an operating range limitation function of the X-ray source with a curve representing a current-voltage function that passes through a desired operating current value that is determined by means of one or more exposure measurements.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing plasma pinch X-rays usable in X-ray lithography. Ionized heated plasma is repeatably generated in a first area directly from solid material without exploding the latter. X-rays are generated in a second area by passing high current through the plasma causing radial inward magnetic field pinching. Accurate control and improved intensity performance, and greater flexibility in selection of X-ray emitting materials, are provided by the separation of the plasma generating and the X-ray pinch generating functions.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube comprising a metal housing portion and an electrode which can be connected to a positive high voltage with respect thereto and which is mounted on a ceramic insulator portion, a conical insulator portion is enclosed by a wall portion, at least the inner surface of which has an insulating effect. A screening sleeve which electrically screens the connection between the insulator portion and the electrode projects into a recess in the wall portion.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube, particularly for the detection of elements having a low atomic number by X-ray spectral analysis, an anode support (4) is on the target side provided with a layer (7) of scandium. The scandium layer is provided on the support by adhesion via an intermediate layer (8), preferably of chromium. In a reflection tube, the anode support for the intermediate layer and the scandium layer is preferably made of silver or copper. In a transmission tube, the scandium is provided on a beryllium disc which acts as intermediate layer and as an exit window (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of a patient having a tumor is disclosed. An X-ray generating source is positionable at a location in close proximity to the tumor. The X-ray generating source is operable at a voltage level in the range of approximately 10-60 KeV, thereby enhancing absorption of the generated X-rays by the tumor and minimizing the side effects of radiation therapy on the patient's normal tissue.