Abstract: An X-ray generation device includes: a sealed X-ray tube including a cathode and an anode; a magnetic field generation portion applying a magnetic field to the electron beam, the magnetic field extending in a first direction, which crosses a traveling direction of the electron beam; and a rotary drive system configured to rotate the sealed X-ray tube, the anode having a surface including a first region and a second region arranged on one side and another side, with respect to a straight division line, the first region having a first metal arranged therein, and the second region having a second metal arranged therein, the second metal being different from the first metal, and by means of the rotary drive system rotating the sealed X-ray tube, the sealed X-ray tube being arranged with respect to the magnetic field generation portion so that the straight division line lies along the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for determining a characteristic of a blood vessel portion, which comprises blood including a contrast agent exhibiting resonant absorption of x-ray photons at a specific energy. The system comprises a tunable monochromatic x-ray source (21) emitting x-ray radiation, an x-ray detector device (22) for detecting the x-ray radiation after it has travelled through the blood vessel portion. A control unit (26) varies a tuning of the x-ray source (21) to vary the energy of the x-ray radiation emitted by the x-ray source (21), and an evaluation unit (27) determines a tuning of the x-ray source (21) at which nuclear resonant absorption of the x-ray radiation incident onto the blood vessel portion occurs and estimates the characteristic on the basis of the determined tuning. The characteristic may particularly be the blood velocity in the blood vessel portion.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, a method for decelerating a rotor of an x-ray tube of an imaging system includes controlling and/or monitoring a speed and position of the rotor, passing the rotor through a first position where a force exerted on the rotor, is less than Earth's gravitational pull, the force due to a combination of gravity and radial acceleration, and initiating a predefined deceleration profile to decelerate the rotor to a halt when the x-ray tube passes through the first position.

Abstract: An electron gun includes a cathode that is heated to emit thermions; a cathode heating power supply that supplies a cathode heating current for heating the cathode; a grid that has a first aperture formed therein and that has a grid voltage applied thereto, the grid voltage having a potential lower than that of the cathode, wherein the grid converges the thermions passing through the first aperture by the grid voltage; an anode that has a second aperture formed therein and that has an anode voltage applied thereto, wherein the anode causes the thermions extracted from the cathode to pass through the second aperture as an electron beam by the anode voltage; an anode-voltage power supply that applies the anode voltage to the anode; and a controller that causes the anode voltage having a positive potential to be applied from the anode-voltage power supply to the anode.

Abstract: An anode head for an anode of an X-ray generating device is provided. The anode head is made of an X-ray attenuating material and has a first opening with a first diameter for a primary electron beam, wherein a circular aperture of a secondary electron absorbing material and having a second opening which is arranged concentrically to the first aperture and has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray source, comprising: a cathode in a recess of a first substrate; a counter electrode on a sidewall of the recess, configured to cause field emission of electrons from the cathode; and a metal anode configured to receive the electrons emitted from the cathode and to emit X-ray from impact by the electrons on the metal anode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an x-ray backscatter apparatus (“apparatus”) for non-destructive inspection of an object. The apparatus includes an x-ray emitter that includes a vacuum tube, an x-ray shield enclosed within the vacuum tube. The x-ray shield includes at least one emission aperture. The apparatus also includes a cathode enclosed within the vacuum tube and that is operable to generate an electron stream. Also included is an anode, enclosed within the vacuum tube and located relative to the cathode, to receive the electron stream and convert the electron stream from the cathode to an x-ray stream, and located relative to the emission aperture to direct at least a portion of the x-ray stream through the at least one emission aperture. Also disclosed are a system and a method that utilize the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a stationary X-ray source for a multisource X-ray imaging system for tomographic imaging. The stationary X-ray source includes an array of thermionic cathodes and, in most embodiments a rotating anode. The anode rotates about a rotation axis, however the anode is stationary in the horizontal or vertical dimensions (e.g. about axes perpendicular to the rotation axis). The elimination of mechanical motion improves the image quality by elimination of mechanical vibration and source motion; simplifies system design that reduces system size and cost; increases angular coverage with no increase in scan time; and results in short scan times to, in medical some medical imaging applications, reduce patient-motion-induced blurring.

Abstract: A method for generating an x-ray image in color includes selecting three-sets of x-ray images in gray scale acquired with x-rays having different energy spectra, assigning basic colors RGB to the three-sets, and displaying the x-ray image in color with RGB signals generated. A system for generating an x-ray image in color includes an x-ray generator configured to generate at least three sets of x-rays with different energy spectra, an x-ray detector, a controller, a computer, and a color display. The computer is configured to generate three sets of x-ray images from output data of the x-ray detector acquired for x-rays with different energy spectra, assign RGB and display an x-ray image in color. A non-transitory computer readable medium stores an instruction, when the instruction is executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method for generating an x-ray image in color.

Abstract: The present invention is a method or system for acceptance testing and commissioning of a LINAC and treatment planning system (TPS). For a LINAC commissioning, the present invention collects reference data from a fully calibrated LINAC and compares the reference data with machine performance data collected from a testing LINAC. The compared results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing LINAC. For a TPS commissioning, the present invention collects standard reference data from standard treatment plans and standard input data and compares the standard reference data with results from standard tests that are performed by a testing treatment plan system. The compares results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing treatment plan system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method or system for acceptance testing and commissioning of a LINAC and treatment planning system (TPS). For a LINAC commissioning, the present invention collects reference data from a fully calibrated LINAC and compares the reference data with machine performance data collected from a testing LINAC. The compared results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing LINAC. For a TPS commissioning, the present invention collects standard reference data from standard treatment plans and standard input data and compares the standard reference data with results from standard tests that are performed by a testing treatment plan system. The compares results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing treatment plan system.

Abstract: A method, target, and apparatus are disclosed for investigating a specimen using X-ray tomography. The specimen in mounted on a specimen holder. An X-ray target has a substrate of relatively low-atomic-number material carrying an array of mutually isolated nuggets of a relatively high-atomic number material. X-rays are generated by irradiating a single nugget in the target with a charged particle beam, which then illuminates the specimen along a first line of sight through the specimen. A flux of X-rays transmitted through the specimen is detected to form a first image. The illumination process is repeated for a series of different lines of sight through the specimen, to produce a series of images. A mathematical reconstruction on the series of images is then performed to produce a tomogram of at least part of the specimen.

Abstract: This specification describes an anode for an X-ray tube with multiple channels, where each channel defines an electron aperture through which electrons from a source pass to strike a target and a collimating aperture through which X-rays produced at the target pass out of the anode as a collimated beam. At least a portion of the walls of each channel are lined with an electron absorbing material for absorbing any electrons straying from a predefined trajectory. The electron absorbing material has a low atomic number, high melting point and is stable in vacuum. Graphite may be used as the electron absorbing material.

Abstract: A high energy radiation device may include a band and/or contact rod with surface properties to enhance field emissions or otherwise assist in control of x-ray generation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an X-ray tube, and more particularly, to an X-ray tube having a simple structure from which an element necessary for focusing an electron beam, such as a magnetic lens, and having generating an X-ray having a focal spot of a nanometer-scale. The present disclosure includes: a electron beam generation unit emitting an electron beam; a limiting electrode unit limiting the electron beam emitted from the electron beam generation unit; and a target unit including a target material emitting an X-ray when the limited electron beam collides with the target material, wherein the limiting electrode includes of an electron beam limiting electrode allowing a portion of the emitted electron beam to pass therethrough and to be delivered to the target unit.

Abstract: An anode terminal is provided for use high voltage applications that also serves as a shield, and which reduces the overall size of the anode terminal and an enclosure containing the anode terminal. The anode terminal includes a toroid and the maximum radius of curvature that is required to provide an optimal field enhancement reduction is reserved for the section of the toroid that is closest to ground, including the walls of the enclosure. The toroid of the anode terminal has variable radii of curvature along its outer surface and is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprises a rotatable gantry, supporting a source of therapeutic radiation and a source of diagnostic radiation, the two sources being rotationally (or angularly) spaced apart around a rotation axis of the gantry, with at least one collimator associated with the source of therapeutic radiation and arranged to limit the cross-sectional area of a beam produced by that source, a control means arranged to conduct a treatment fraction using the apparatus by causing the apparatus to i. acquire images of a patient using the source of diagnostic radiation, ii. retain those images at least temporarily, iii. subsequently, after further rotation of the gantry, select a retained image acquired when the source of diagnostic radiation was at a rotational position corresponding to the instantaneous rotational position of the source of therapeutic radiation, and iv. control the beam relative to the patient using information derived from the selected image.

Abstract: An EUV light source serves for generating a usable output beam of EUV illumination light for a projection exposure apparatus for projection lithography. The light source has an EUV generation device which generates an EUV raw output beam. The latter is circularly polarized. For the purposes of setting the polarization of the usable output beam and in respect of the polarization direction, a polarization setting device has a linearly polarizing effect on the raw output beam. This results in an EUV light source, which provides an improved output beam for a resolution-optimized illumination.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an X-ray tube component, includes diffusion bonding or brazing an anode of rhodium, molybdenum or tungsten to a heat spreader of molybdenum, tungsten, or a composite of molybdenum and/or tungsten. Suitable joint materials for diffusion bonding include gold; suitable joint materials for brazing include an alloy of silver and copper, an alloy of silver, copper and palladium, an alloy of gold and copper or an alloy of gold, copper and nickel. The resulting tube component delivers reliable behaviors and the joint can withstand high temperatures, high temperature gradients, fast temperature changes, extremely high radiation and extremely high electric field, while maintaining good high vacuum properties.

Abstract: An X-ray photographing apparatus and a method of operating the X-ray photographing method are disclosed. The X-ray photographing apparatus includes a plurality of X-ray generators configured to generate an X-ray; a plurality of X-ray detectors facing the plurality of X-ray generators and configured to detect X-rays that are transmitted through an object; and a plurality of sensors, which are provided between the plurality of X-ray generators and the plurality of X-ray detectors, and which are configured to sense the object.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system can include an X-ray tube, an X-ray generator, a precharging module and a triaxial cable. The X-ray tube can be configured to generate an X-ray emission and include an anode, a cathode and a filament. The X-ray generator can be coupled with the X-ray tube and include a high voltage module and a low voltage module. The high voltage module can be being configured to supply a dosing voltage across the X-ray tube and the low voltage module can be configured to supply a dosing current to the filament. The precharging module can be configured to supply a precharge voltage. The triaxial cable can electrically connect the X-ray generator to the X-ray tube. The outer shield conductor of the triaxial cable can carry a ground voltage, the inner shield conductor can carry the precharge voltage and the center conductor can carry the dosing voltage.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a target on which electrons impinge to form a diverging x-ray beam. The target has a surface formed from first and second target materials, each tailored to emit a respective x-ray energy profile. A first x-ray optic may be provided for directing the beam toward the sample spot, the first x-ray optic monochromating the diverging x-ray beam to a first energy from the energy emitted by the first target material; and a second x-ray optic may be provided, for directing the beam toward the sample spot, the second x-ray optic monochromating the diverging x-ray beam to a second energy from the energy emitted by the second target material. Fluorescence from the sample spot induced by the first and second monochromated energies is used to measure the concentration of at least one element in the sample, or separately measure elements in a coating and underlying substrate.

Abstract: For the generation of multiple-energy X-ray radiation, an X-ray tube (10) for generating multiple-energy X-ray radiation includes an anode (12) and a filter (14). At least a first (16) and a second focal spot position (18) are offset from each other in an offset direction (20) transverse to an X-ray radiation projection direction. The filter includes a first plurality (22) of first portions (24) with first filtering characteristics for X-ray radiation and a second plurality (26) of second portions (28) with second filtering characteristics for X-ray radiation. The filter is a directional filter adapted in a such a way that at least a first X-ray beam (30) emanating from the first focal spot position at least partly passes through the filter unit via the first portions, and a second X-ray beam (32) emanating from the second focal spot position passes obliquely through the first and the second portions when passing through the filter unit.

Abstract: A multi energy, such as dual-energy (“DE”), x-ray imaging system data acquisition and image reconstruction system and method enables optimizing the image contrast of a sample. Using the DE x-ray imaging system and its associated user interface applications, an operator performs a low energy (“LE”) and high energy (“HE”) x-ray scan of the same volume of interest of the sample. The system creates a low-energy reconstructed tomographic volume data set from the set of low-energy projections and a high-energy tomographic volume data set from the set of high-energy projections. This enables the operator to control the image contrast of selected slices, and apply the information associated with optimizing the contrast of the selected slice to all slices in the low-energy and high-energy tomographic data sets. This creates a combined volume data set from the LE and HE volume data sets with optimized image contrast throughout.

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 imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray source which includes a plurality of X-ray focuses to generate X-rays by irradiating X-ray targets with electron beams, a detector which detects X-rays which have been emitted from the multi X-ray source and have reached a detection surface, and a moving mechanism for moving the multi X-ray source within a plane facing the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus acquires a plurality of X-ray detection signals from the detector by causing the multi X-ray source to perform X-ray irradiation while shifting the positions of a plurality of X-ray focuses which the detector has relative to the detection surface by moving the multi X-ray source using the moving mechanism. The apparatus then generates an X-ray projection image based on the plurality of X-ray detection signals acquired by the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray source is provided that includes one or more electron emitters configured to emit one or more electron beams and one or more source targets configured to receive the one or more electron beams emitted by the one or more electron emitters and, as a result of receiving the one or more electron beams, to emit X-rays. Each source target of the X-ray source includes a first layer having one or more first materials; and a second layer in thermal communication with the first layer and having one or more second materials. The first layer is positioned closer to the one or more emitters than the second layer, the first material has a higher overall thermal conductivity than the second layer, and the second layer produces the majority of the X-rays emitted by the source target.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an anode for an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube has an electron aperture through which electrons emitted from an electron source travel subject to substantially no electrical field and a target in a non-parallel relationship to the electron aperture and arranged to produce X-rays when electrons are incident upon a first side of the target, wherein the target further comprises a cooling channel located on a second side of the target. The cooling channel comprises a conduit having coolant contained therein. The coolant is at least one of water, oil, or refrigerant.

Abstract: An x-ray device utilizes a band of material to exchange charge through tribocharging within a chamber maintained at low fluid pressure. The charge is utilized to generate x-rays within the housing, which may pass through a window of the housing. Various contact rods may be used as part of the tribocharging process.

Abstract: The relative position of an RF waveform and electron bunches in a linear accelerator is controlled by appropriate control of the accelerator electronics. Thus the energy given to any particular electron bunch can be controlled by altering the position of amplitude peaks of the RF driving field relative to the electron bunch. This control can be applied simultaneously and independently to all electron bunches in a bunch train. An output X-ray pulse is provided by the contributions of multiple electron bunches when they hit one or more targets. When more energetic electrons hit the target, more energetic X-rays are produced. Thus this controllable electron bunch energy and intensity can provide intra-pulse control of X-ray energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a compact x-ray system that uses optical energy for triggering x-ray generation rather than a traditional filament. A photocathode is illuminated and the ensuing electrons are directed to an anode resulting in x-ray generation, resulting in increased x-ray source durability. Pulsing, beam forming, scanning, varying x-ray characteristics, longevity of source and other desirable attributes not currently available in the state of the art are achievable, through the use of shaped, multi-materialed photocathodes, shaped, multi-materialed anodes, arrays of optical lines, and so forth, as some examples. Inexpensive, highly controllable sources such as solid-state lasers can be used, permitting a wide variety of applications and power levels.

Abstract: A radiation tube includes a cathode unit including an electron source, and an anode unit including a target and a shield member arranged around the target. The target is to be irradiated with electrons emitted from the electron source to emit radiation. The cathode unit and the anode unit are joined to each other via a plurality of spacers.

Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes a cathode array including a plurality of electron emitting portions, and an anode array including a plurality of targets and a chained connection unit that connects the targets. The chained connection unit includes a plurality of shielding members and a thermal transfer member, the shielding members being arranged at locations corresponding to the locations of the respective targets, and the thermal transfer member having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the shielding members. The thermal transfer member has a portion that is continuous in a direction in which the targets are arranged.

Abstract: In an X-ray generation apparatus of transmission type including an electron emission source, and a target generating an X-ray with collision of electrons emitted from the electron emission source against the target, the X-ray generation apparatus further includes a secondary X-ray generation portion generating an X-ray with collision of electrons reflected by the target against the secondary X-ray generation portion, and the secondary X-ray generation portion and the target are arranged such that the X-ray generated with the direct collision of the electrons against the target and the X-ray generated with the collision of the electrons reflected by the target against the secondary X-ray generation portion are both radiated to an outside. X-ray generation efficiency is increased by effectively utilizing the electrons reflected by the target.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray source is provided that includes one or more electron emitters configured to emit one or more electron beams and one or more source targets configured to receive the one or more electron beams emitted by the one or more electron emitters and, as a result of receiving the one or more electron beams, to emit X-rays. Each source target of the X-ray source includes a first layer having one or more first materials; and a second layer in thermal communication with the first layer and having one or more second materials. The first layer is positioned closer to the one or more emitters than the second layer, the first material has a higher overall thermal conductivity than the second layer, and the second layer produces the majority of the X-rays emitted by the source target.

Abstract: Imaging methods, apparatus and systems are provided for using different irradiation frequencies to generate a composite three-dimensional image. One exemplary method for imaging a semiconductor device involves irradiating the semiconductor device with a first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a first radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, irradiating the semiconductor device with a second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a second radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, and generating a composite image of the semiconductor device based at least in part on the first radiation response and the second radiation response.

Abstract: Direct write electron-beam-to-x-ray converters are described, which may be programmed to focus x-rays into an arbitrary shape to provide spatial and intensity modulation to irradiate a malady such as a tumor. An integrated structure of the electron beam to x-ray converter comprises a collimating grid containing a target fluid. The collimating grid comprises a plurality of individual cells enclosed in a housing assembly. An electron beam aimed at a selected individual cell of the collimating grid may be converted to an x-ray beam within the target fluid.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides targets including a metal layer and defining a hollow inner surface. The hollow inner surface has an internal apex. The distance between at least two opposing points of the internal apex is less than about 15 ?m. In particular examples, the distance is less than about 1 ?m. Particular implementations of the targets are free standing. The targets have a number of disclosed shaped, including cones, pyramids, hemispheres, and capped structures. The present disclosure also provides arrays of such targets. Also provided are methods of forming targets, such as the disclosed targets, using lithographic techniques, such as photolithographic techniques. In particular examples, a target mold is formed from a silicon wafer and then one or more sides of the mold are coated with a target material, such as one or more metals.

Abstract: An X-ray tube system comprising: at least one filament adapted to produce two electron beams when electrified; at least two anodes spaced from each other along a first direction that each comprises a face that receives an electron beams from the at least one filament at a focal point and produces x-ray cone beams responsive thereto, the x-ray beams being directed in a same direction perpendicular to the first direction; a collimator that collimates the cone beams such that the beams are asymmetric, with the side of each beam distal from the other beam having a smaller beam angle than the side proximal to the other beam.

Abstract: A rotatable anode for an X-ray tube comprises a first unit (901) for being hit by a first electron beam, and at least a second unit (902) being hit by at least a second electron beam, the second unit being electrically isolated from the first. In addition, an X-ray system comprises the anode, a main cathode for generating an electron beam, and first electrical potential, and an auxiliary cathode for influencing a second electrical potential. The main cathode deflects the electron beam to heat the auxiliary cathode. Furthermore, a device determines electrical potential by detecting a point of impact of the electron beam onto the anode and/or by detecting an X-ray spectrum of radiation starting from the anode. The electron beam hits the first unit and is deflected, wherein the deflected beam hits the second unit the point of impact. The first unit and/or second unit emit radiation.

Abstract: A multi-X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi-electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi-electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi-electron source.

Abstract: An x-ray source has multiple electron sources spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction that is defined as being parallel to the rotation axis of a rotating anode which is common to all of the electron sources. Each electron source emits electrons that strike the anode at respective strike points that are spatially separated from each other along the longitudinal direction, to produce respective emission centers, from which x-rays are emitted, each emission center being associated with respective ones of the x-ray sources.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for converting a broadband x-ray beam to at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam. The devices may be an adaptor for existing x-ray machines or for use with a standalone machine. The device 20 includes a shielded housing 22 having an inner cavity and a fluorescent target 26, 26? disposed in the inner cavity 24 wherein the fluorescent target 26, 26? emits at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam when exposed to a broadband x-ray beam. The housing 22 includes a first opening 30 in the housing 22 configured to allow the broadband x-ray beam from an x-ray source to enter the inner cavity 24 and irradiate the fluorescent target 26, 26? and a second opening 34 in the housing configured to allow the at least one substantially monochromatic x-ray beam emitted by the fluorescent target to exit the housing 22. Also described herein are sources of monochromatic x-rays 60, 84, 112, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using of monochromatic x-ray beams.

Abstract: A CT system includes a gantry, an x-ray source configured to project x-rays toward an object, an x-ray detector positioned to receive x-rays from the x-ray source that pass through the object, a generator configured to energize the x-ray source to a first voltage and to a second voltage that is distinct from the first voltage, and a controller configured to cause the gantry to position the source and generator at a circumferential position during an imaging session, pass the object through the opening during the imaging session, cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the first voltage and to the second voltage, acquire imaging data while the generator energizes the x-ray source to the first voltage and to the second voltage while the rotatable gantry is at the circumferential position, and generate an image using the imaging data.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a scanned beam of penetrating electromagnetic radiation. An electron beam is incident on a succession of specific locations on a concave anode which emits electromagnetic waves in response thereto, in such a way that electromagnetic waves exiting from an aperture scan over a range of angles within a scan plane in response to angular scanning of the electron beam. The x-ray beam is extracted from the apparatus via one or more exit apertures in the back hemisphere, on the side of the anode onto which the electron beam impinges.

Abstract: The present invention refers to X-ray tubes for use in imaging applications with an improved power rating and more particularly, to a multi-segment anode target (102?) for an X-ray based scanner system using an X-ray tube of the rotary anode type; the X-ray tube including a rotatably supported essentially disk-shaped rotary anode (102) with an anode target (102?) for emitting X-radiation when being exposed to an electron beam (105a) incident on a surface of the anode target (102?), wherein the rotary anode disk (102) is divided into at least two anode disk segments (102a and 102b) having a conical surface inclined by a distinct acute angle (?) with respect to a plane normal to the rotational axis (103) of the rotary anode disk (102), thus having its own focal track width. An advantage of the invention consists in an enhanced image quality compared to conventional rotary anodes as known from the prior art.

Abstract: An X-ray source includes an electron-beam generating unit that generates an electron beam, and a transmission type target electrode to be irradiated with the electron beam to generate X-ray radiation. A plurality of convex portions each having an inclined surface with respect to an incident direction of the electron beam is formed on a surface of the transmission type target electrode.

Abstract: An X-ray generator and an X-ray photographing apparatus including the X-ray generator generate characteristic X-rays. The X-ray generator includes an electron beam emission unit that emits electron beams; an electron beam guide unit, in which the electron beam emission unit is disposed, for condensing the electron beams and causing the electron beams to travel in a predetermined direction; and a target unit disposed to face the electron beam guide unit, and discharging X-rays when the electron beams collide with the target unit.

Abstract: A multi X-ray generating apparatus which has a plurality of electron sources arranged two-dimensionally and targets arranged at positions opposite to the electron sources includes a multi electron source which includes a plurality of electron sources and outputs electrons from driven electron sources by selectively driving a plurality of electron sources in accordance with supplied driving signals, and a target unit which includes a plurality of targets which generate X-rays in accordance with irradiation of electrons output from the multi electron source and outputs X-rays with different radiation qualities in accordance with the generation locations of X-rays. The generation locations and radiation qualities of X-rays from the target unit are controlled by selectively driving the electron sources of the multi electron source.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a compact x-ray system that uses optical energy for triggering x-ray generation rather than a traditional filament. A photocathode is illuminated and the ensuing electrons are directed to an anode resulting in x-ray generation, resulting in increased x-ray source durability. Pulsing, beam forming, scanning, varying x-ray characteristics, longevity of source and other desirable attributes not currently available in the state of the art are achievable, through the use of shaped, multi-materialed photocathodes, shaped, multi-materialed anodes, arrays of optical lines, and so forth, as some examples. Inexpensive, highly controllable sources such as solid-state lasers can be used, permitting a wide variety of applications and power levels.