Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided with: a cathode and an anode sealed inside a vacuum envelope; and an ion-collecting conductor attached to the vacuum envelop so as to be in contact with an internal space of the vacuum envelope. A first current sensor measures a value of a first current flowing between the ion-collecting conductor and a node for supplying potential for attracting positive ions in the vacuum envelope. A second current sensor measures a value of a second current flowing between the anode and the cathode. A control circuit generates diagnostic information on the degree of vacuum of the X-ray tube based on a current ratio file of the first current value (Ii) measured by the first current sensor to the second current value (Ie) measured by the second current sensor.

Abstract: A modular X-ray source and method for replacement of such an X-ray source are disclosed. The source is inside a consumable modular enclosure where the entire assembly is swapped out during maintenance. The enclosure covers an X-ray tube, high voltage circuit boards 6 and cooling insulating oil are arranged inside the module enclosure. The enclosure structure includes an X-ray window, connector engagement alignment guide and electrical connectors. The modular X-ray source is used in a multiple source tomosynthesis imaging system where multiple pulsed X-ray sources are utilized. The easy replacement of X-ray tube assembly inside the consumable modular enclosure results in lower maintenance cost and overall reliable X-ray imaging machine. The modular source has potential to increase the machine volume in the field and create new standards for replaceable modular X-ray source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes a vacuum envelope, a cathode, an anode, and an X-ray transmission assembly. The X-ray transmission assembly includes an X-ray transmission window and an X-ray tube attachment portion. The X-ray tube attachment portion includes a passage port to allow an available X-ray flux to pass therethrough and is opposed to an opening of the vacuum envelope. The passage port has a first shape of a rectangle, an ovally rounded rectangle or a corner-rounded rectangle. The first shape has a longer axis orthogonal to an X-ray tube axis.

Abstract: An X-ray tube has a housing enclosing a vacuum chamber. There is a primary field-emission cathode within the vacuum chamber, a secondary cathode within the vacuum chamber, spaced apart from the primary cathode, and an anode target within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray source, including: a cathode; an anode positioned on the cathode so as to face the cathode; emitters formed on the cathode; a gate electrode positioned between the cathode and the anode and including openings at positions corresponding to those of the emitters; an insulating spacer formed between the gate and the anode; and a coating layer formed on an internal wall of the insulating spacer, and including a material having a lower secondary electron emission coefficient than that of the insulating spacer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an envelope with an opening, an X-ray transmission assembly mounted on the envelope and vacuum-tightly blocking the opening, a cathode and an anode target. The X-ray transmission assembly includes a window frame, an X-ray transmission window, an X-ray-resistive resin film, a sealing member and a dry gas. The X-ray transmission window is formed of a beryllium thin plate, accommodated in the window frame, and configured to maintain, along with the window frame, a vacuum-tight state inside the envelope. The X-ray-resistive resin film forms a space inside along with the window frame and the X-ray transmission window. The dry gas fills the space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric field emission x-ray tube apparatus equipped with a built-in getter, and more particularly, to an electric field emission x-ray tube apparatus equipped with a built-in getter that makes it possible to reduce the size of an x-ray tube by forming a stacked structure, with electric insulation and predetermined gaps maintained for each electrode, by manufacturing an x-ray tube having a stacked structure by inserting insulating spacers (for example, ceramic) between an exhausting port, a cathode, a gate, a focusing electrode, and an anode and bonding them with an adhesive substance, and then inserting a spacer between a field emitter on a cathode substrate and a gate hole connected with a gate electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are for generating a flattening x-ray radiation field. The apparatus includes: plurality of electron accelerators for generating high-energy electron beam current; and a common target unit including a vacuum target chamber, a target and plurality of input connectors. The plurality of input connectors are connected to one side of the vacuum target chamber and the target is installed at the other side of the vacuum target chamber opposing the plurality of input connectors, the axes of which intersect in pairs at one point in an predetermined included angle. The plurality of electron accelerators are connected to the plurality of input connectors.

Abstract: An X-ray tube and an X-ray inspection apparatus using the X-ray tube have improved workability of the baking for obtaining an ultra-high vacuum of the X-ray tube having a field emission type electron gun, and have stable performance. The X-ray tube includes a field emission type electron gun chamber, an electron beam aperture, an X-ray target and a vacuum pump in one body with a vacuum sealing structure (vacuum tube section). The vacuum tube section is attachable and detachable to an electromagnetic lens section in the X-ray tube. It is thereby possible to perform the baking by removing only the vacuum tube section. Fitting portions for positioning are provided at the vacuum tube section and the electromagnetic lens section to easily perform an optical axis alignment at a mounting time after the baking.

Abstract: An x-ray transmission device includes two surfaces in frictional contact within a low fluid pressure environment provided by a housing substantially opaque to x-rays. Materials of the two surfaces are selected such that the frictional contact generates relative charging between the surfaces. The housing includes a window substantially transparent to x-rays, and an electron target, for example a metal, is on an interior surface of the window. The electron target faces the surface that is relatively negatively charged, such that electrons accelerated from that surface, or accelerated due to the negative charge of that surface strike the electron target to generate x-rays, which may be transmitted through the window.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube having an X-ray shielding member allowing an electron ray to pass through an electron passing hole toward a target, separately from the cathode-side opening of the electron passing hole, a gas exhaust path allowing communication between the inside and outside of the electron passing hole is provided so that gas molecules generated in the electron passing hole can be easily diffused out of the electron passing hole. The degradation of the cathode caused by accelerated collisions with the cathode, of cations generated by collisions of electrons with gas molecules generated in the electron passing hole by a desorption phenomenon due to electron ray irradiation to the target, is reduced.

Abstract: A device for generating x-rays has an enclosing vessel having a structure suitable to provide an enclosed space at a predetermined fluid pressure, wherein the enclosing vessel has a window portion and a shielding portion in which the shielding portion is more optically dense to x-rays than the window portion; a mechanoluminescent component disposed at least partially within the enclosing vessel; and a mechanical assembly connected to the mechanoluminescent component. The mechanical assembly provides mechanical energy to the mechanoluminescent component while in operation, and at least some of the mechanical energy when provided to the mechanoluminescent component by the mechanical assembly is converted to x-rays.

Abstract: A miniaturized high-speed modulated X-ray source (MXS) device and a method for rapidly and arbitrarily varying with time the output X-ray photon intensities and energies. The MXS device includes an ultraviolet emitter that emits ultraviolet light, a photocathode operably coupled to the ultraviolet light-emitting diode that emits electrons, an electron multiplier operably coupled to the photocathode that multiplies incident electrons, and an anode operably coupled to the electron multiplier that is configured to produce X-rays. The method for modulating MXS includes modulating an intensity of an ultraviolet emitter to emit ultraviolet light, generating electrons in response to the ultraviolet light, multiplying the electrons to become more electrons, and producing X-rays by an anode that includes a target material configured to produce X-rays in response to impact of the more electrons.

Abstract: An X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam, the X-ray tube comprising a rotatably mounted anode arranged and configured to generate X-rays upon exposure to an electron beam, a hollow space within the anode, a cooling unit configured for cooling the anode by fluid circulation within the hollow space, and a vacuum pump arrangement configured for generating a first vacuum within the hollow space and a second vacuum in a space surrounding the anode, wherein the second vacuum relates to a pressure value being lower than a pressure value relating to the first vacuum, wherein the vacuum pump arrangement comprises a pump arranged for forming a continuous pressure gradient between the first vacuum and the second vacuum.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an electron beam source including a primary cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode assembly including an anode configured to receive the electron beam and to emit X-rays when impacted by the electron beam. The X-ray tube also includes an enclosure, at least the primary cathode and the anode being disposed in the enclosure, and a secondary cathode disposed in the enclosure and configured to emit electrons to impact the anode for degassing the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube with non-evaporable getters disposed therein for maintaining a degree of vacuum sufficient to operate the X-ray tube. The present invention provides a fixed-anode X-ray tube and a rotating-anode X-ray tube in which non-evaporable getters are disposed. The X-ray tubes, even when rated power is introduced without an aging process, can perform gas adsorption sufficiently and stably during operation, despite gases that can be generated by the filament and the cathode focusing cap and gases that can be generated by the target.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a casing having a cathode and an anode enclosed therein, and a separator attached to an inner wall of the casing and having a conductance limiter therein, the separator positioned to separate the anode from the cathode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an electron beam source including a primary cathode configured to emit an electron beam and an anode assembly including an anode configured to receive the electron beam and to emit X-rays when impacted by the electron beam. The X-ray tube also includes an enclosure, at least the primary cathode and the anode being disposed in the enclosure, and a secondary cathode disposed in the enclosure and configured to emit electrons to impact the anode for degassing the enclosure.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode, a first chamber enclosing the anode and having a first pressure therein, a cathode, and a second chamber enclosing the cathode and having a second pressure therein. A separator is positioned between the first and second chambers and has a conductance limiter therein.

Abstract: An X-ray target assembly includes a substrate, a target supported by the substrate adapted to generate X-rays when impinged by an electron beam, and an enclosure over the target providing a volume for the target. The enclosure is made of a material substantially transparent to electrons. The volume is substantially vacuum or filled with an inert gas.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode, a first chamber enclosing the anode and having a first pressure therein, a cathode, and a second chamber enclosing the cathode and having a second pressure therein. A separator is positioned between the first and second chambers and has a conductance limiter therein.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode, a first chamber enclosing the anode and having a first pressure therein, a cathode, and a second chamber enclosing the cathode and having a second pressure therein. A separator is positioned between the first and second chambers and has a conductance limiter therein.

Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly includes a vacuum chamber, a beam source, and a target. The target has an active section and an inactive section. The active section is adapted to generate x-rays when the beam impinges on the x-ray producing section. The electron beam production and control assembly also includes a focusing unit positioned along the chamber at a location intermediate the rearward end and the forward end. The focusing unit directs the beam towards the target in a converging manner to impinge on the target. The focusing unit sweeps the beam along a scanning path over the active section of the target. The focusing unit moves the beam to a retrace path on the inactive section of the target between sweeps of the scanning path to maintain ion accumulation in the beam between sweeps over the active section.

Abstract: An energy beam is irradiated onto a rotating anticathode so as to heat a portion irradiated by the energy beam under the condition that a vapor pressure at equilibrium state of the portion is set to 0.1 Torr or more, thereby generating an X-ray. The portion irradiated by the energy beam is kept at the rotating anticathode by a centrifugal force to the portion it a direction outward from a surface of the portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube, having a structure for effectively suppressing discharge at a tip of an anode, irradiated with electrons in order to generate X-rays, and an X-ray source including the X-ray tube. In the X-ray tube, electrons emitted from an electron gun are made to collide with an X-ray target, and X-rays generated at the X-ray target due to the collision are taken out to an exterior. The X-ray tube includes: a head, defining an internal space that houses a tip of an anode; an irradiation window, transmitting the generated X-rays to the exterior; an exhaust port, disposed at an inner wall surface of a casing and being for vacuum drawing of the internal space; and a shielding structure, hiding the exhaust port from the tip of the anode.

Abstract: A gamma ray generator includes an ion source in a first chamber. A second chamber is configured co-axially around the first chamber at a lower second pressure. Co-axially arranged plasma apertures separate the two chambers and provide for restricted passage of ions and gas from the first to the second chamber. The second chamber is formed by a puller electrode having at least one long channel aperture to draw ions from the first chamber when the puller electrode is subject to an appropriate applied potential. A plurality of electrodes rings in the third chamber in third pressure co-axially surround the puller electrode and have at least one channel corresponding to the at least one puller electrode aperture and plasma aperture. The electrode rings increase the energy of the ions to a selected energy in stages in passing between successive pairs of the electrodes by application of an accelerating voltage to the successive pairs of accelerator electrodes.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced.

Abstract: Various novel apparatuses and methods for generating X-rays are disclosed. In some embodiments, for example, an apparatus may be configured and arranged so that, for at least one interception point on a particular portion of a scan path on a surface of a target along which a steering element steers an accelerated electron beam (e-beam), both an angle and its complement between a line corresponding to a direction in which the accelerated e-beam is traveling at the interception point and a line oriented normal to the surface of the target at such interception point are greater than forty five degrees.

Abstract: A metal x-ray device component is provided that includes a high emissivity inorganically bonded ceramic coating that can be applied with minimal surface preparation and that provides good resistance to corrosion and oxidation of substrates in high temperature, vacuum environments. The coating has good dielectric properties, is stable in the high temperature, vacuum environment characteristic of x-ray devices, and provides effective and reliable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to applying an existing carbon nanotube X-ray tube for a dental X-ray imaging system that can replace a carbon nanotube electron emission source installed in a cathode portion. An X-ray tube system formed in a pen according to the present invention can be inserted in the oral cavity due to its thin thickness, thereby displaying an accurate image of an inner location of the oral cavity needing a diagnosis. For therapy of oral cancer requiring an appropriate amount of radiation therapy, since radiation can be directly irradiated to a diseased part, brachytherapy is enabled without concern of exposure dose of normal tissues. Therefore, when the system is commercialized, a great amount of distribution effect may be expected. The X-ray tube system that can be used for medical services such as a dental service includes an X-ray emission module emitting X-rays using a chipped nano-structured material, for example, carbon nanotube.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode, a first chamber enclosing the anode and having a first pressure therein, a cathode, and a second chamber enclosing the cathode and having a second pressure therein. A separator is positioned between the first and second chambers and has a conductance limiter therein.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a stationary base and a passage therein. The x-ray tube includes an anode frame having an anode positioned adjacent to a first end and having a neck at a second end, the neck extends into the passage, wherein the anode frame is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the passage. A hermetic seal is positioned about the neck between the neck and the stationary base.

Abstract: A method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber, thereby reducing the overall pressure, includes a device mounted onto a rotating gantry. The device has a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and a first region in which anode bearings are positioned. A rotatable shaft has a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the first region. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating the first chamber from the first region. At least one pressure-reducing unit is fluidically connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a device for the emission of X-rays. The device includes a vacuum pump including a sealed peripheral casing containing a cathode which emits a flux of electrons, a rotary anode mounted at the end of the shaft of the vacuum pump, a collection device for collecting an emitted electron beam and at least one cooling element, disposed opposite one of the main radial faces of the rotary anode, which is fixed to one of the vacuum pump stator or to the sealed peripheral casing.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber, thereby reducing the overall pressure, includes a device mounted onto a rotating gantry. The device has a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and a first region in which anode bearings are positioned. A rotatable shaft has a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the first region. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the ferrofluid seal fluidically separating the first chamber from the first region. At least one pressure-reducing unit is fluidically connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: An X-ray emitter and an X-ray apparatus and method of manufacturing an x-ray emitter. The emitter has an anode, a cathode, and a vacuum evacuated body in which the anode and the cathode are placed. The body has an opening and a high-voltage connector placed in the opening, the connector closing off the opening in a vacuum-tight manner, thereby subjecting the connector to a vacuum on one side of the cathode and to ambient air on an opposite side.

Abstract: An imaging tube assembly (11) for a computed tomography (CT) system (10) includes an insert (60) that has a vacuum chamber (72). An anode (58) resides within the vacuum chamber (72) and rotates on a shaft (66) via one or more bearing (70). In one embodiment, a seal (52) resides between the insert (60) and the shaft (66). The seal (52) prevents the passage of a gas (80) into the vacuum chamber (72). In another embodiment, a pressure transition chamber (104) is coupled to an insert (60?) and a shaft (66?). The pressure transition chamber (104) has an associated middle fluid pressure that is between an internal fluid pressure of the vacuum chamber (104) and an external fluid pressure of said insert (60?).

Abstract: A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides an X-ray source. The X-ray source includes a field emitter array having a plurality of field emitter elements disposed in a vacuum chamber and configured to emit electrons in the vacuum chamber towards an anode assembly. The X-ray source also includes an anode disposed in the vacuum chamber for receiving the electrons emitted by the field emitter array and configured to thereby generate X-ray radiation. The X-ray source further includes a source of cleaning gas coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein the source of cleaning gas is configured to provide the cleaning gas to the vacuum chamber towards the field emitter array to reduce deposition of contaminants on or to clean contaminates from the field emitter array.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an X-ray tube comprising a vacuum envelope comprising a first tubular part having an X-ray exit window in an opening on a leading end side and an attachment flange on a base end side, and a second tubular part communicating with the inside of the first tubular part and projecting from a peripheral part of the first tubular part; and an electron gun and a target both contained in the vacuum envelope. The electron gun emits an electron beam to the target, the target generates an X-ray in response, and thus generated X-ray is taken out through the X-ray exit window. An exhaust pipe for evacuating the vacuum envelope projects from the peripheral face of the first tubular part. The exhaust pipe is disposed inside a virtual surface covering the periphery of the first tubular part and bridging a periphery of a leading end portion of the first tubular part and a periphery of the attachment flange.

Abstract: A miniature X-ray source device connected to a distal end of a guiding wire for insertion towards a desired location within an animal body for effecting radiation thereby. The X-ray source device at least includes a vacuum tube containing a cathode and an anode spaced apart at a distance from each other; an emitter for emitting free electrons from the cathode; an electric field generator for applying a high-voltage electric field between the cathode and the anode for accelerating the emitted free electrons towards the anode; and a getter material located in a high-voltage electric field free region in the vacuum tube. The vacuum tube is at least partly transparent to X-ray radiation emitted by the anode.

Abstract: In a method to detect the pressure in an x-ray tube having a cathode of the x-ray tube that is heated with a heater current, and wherein electrons are accelerated between the cathode and an anode by an applied x-ray tube voltage, the heater current is measured, a tube current corresponding to the tube -ray voltage is measured, the difference between the measured heater current and the measured tube current is determined or the temporal change of the measured heater current or of the measured tube current is determined, the difference or the temporal change is compared with predetermined calibration values, and a value representing the pressure in the x-ray tube is determined from the comparison.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for the rotational mounting of a rotary anode of an X-ray emitting device on a support having at least one rolling bearing provided in order to be placed between the rotary anode and the support, the rolling bearing having a rotating ring, a non-rotating ring, and rolling elements placed between raceways of the first ring and of the second ring. At least one sleeve is intended to be mounted between an axially stressed ring of the rolling bearing and a cylindrical bearing surface of the anode or of the support, the sleeve being radially elastic in order to compensate for variations in radial dimensions between the ring and the cylindrical bearing surface, and in order to dampen the vibration, while at the same time being suitable for allowing the ring to slide axially with respect to the cylindrical bearing surface.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: A mobile, miniature x-ray source includes a low-power consumption cathode element for mobility, and an anode optic creating a field free region to prolong the life of the cathode element. An electric field is applied to an anode and a cathode that are disposed on opposite sides of an evacuated tube. The anode includes a target material to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons. The cathode includes a cathode element to produce electrons that are accelerated towards the anode in response to the electric field between the anode and the cathode. The tube can have a length less than approximately 3 inches, and a diameter or width less than approximately 1 inch. The cathode element can include a low-power consumption cathode element with a low power consumption less than approximately 1 watt. The power source can include a battery power source. A field-free region can be positioned at the anode to resist positive ion acceleration back towards the cathode element.

Abstract: A metal frame x-ray tube (1), includes a gettering system (90) which, when activated, provides a layer (147) of gettering material (98) on a grounded conductive portion (72, 74) of a metal frame or envelope (14). The envelope defines an evacuated chamber (12), which houses an anode (10) and a cathode (18). Moving the gettering material to larger diameter portions of the frame enables substantially larger amounts of gettering material to be provided than in a conventional gettering system, which is typically housed in the cathode assembly (26). Moreover, multiple independently controllable gettering wires (92, 94) facilitate reactivating the gettering material plural times both during the manufacturing process and in the field. This ability to rejuvenate vacuum pumping capability in an x-ray tube that is starting to arc in the field allows for extended x-ray tube life.

Abstract: A high voltage device housing assembly includes a housing and a high voltage assembly arranged in combination with an improved insulation system. The high voltage assembly is disposed within the enclosure defined by the housing, and the outer surface of the high voltage device, such as a vacuum tube, bears an insulator including a first portion generally continuously covering the side surface of the high voltage and an integral second portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart projections extending around the side surface and between the first portion and the inner wall of the housing. Air gaps are present between the respective projections, and the spacing of the ribs is established in a manner that inhibits ionic conduction from occurring between the housing and the high voltage device, which otherwise could lead to high voltage breakdowns.

Abstract: For eliminating a high-tension cable in order to improve the handling, the open type X-ray generating apparatus (1) in accordance with the present invention employs a mold power unit in which a high-voltage generating part, a grid connecting line, and a filament connecting line which attain a high voltage are molded with a resin, whereas the mold power unit is secured to the proximal end side of a tubular portion (2), whereby an apparatus of a type integrated with a power supply is realized. Since the high-voltage generating part, grid connecting line, and filament connecting line are confined within the resin mold as such, the degree of freedom in structure of the high-voltage generating part and the degree of freedom in bending the lines improve remarkably.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ x-ray radiation treatment utilizes different types of miniature energy transducers to emit x-rays. Each type of energy transducer includes a transducer body, a cathode provided at one end of the transducer body, and an anode provided at another end of the transducer body. The transducer body, cathode and anode define a cavity that communicates with an evacuation opening. A desired vacuum is achieved and maintained by a dynamic pumping mechanism that draws a vacuum in the cavity via the evacuation opening.