Abstract: Compact x-ray devices, systems, and methods for capturing in tomosynthesis, two-dimensional radiography, fluoroscopy, and stereotactic imaging modes. In some embodiments, the compact x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source array including spatially distributed x-ray focal spots and a digital area x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes an electronic switching device configured to alternate the imaging mode of the system. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes a mechanical support configured to enable a position and orientation of the x-ray source array and the digital area x-ray detector to be adjusted such that both upper and lower extremities of a patient can be imaged using various imaging modes while a position of the plurality of spatially distributed x-ray focal spots with respect to the digital area x-ray detector remains unchanged.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump for pumping an electrically conductive liquid, including a first conduit section and a second conduit section. The electromagnetic pump further includes a current generator arranged to provide an electric current through the liquid in the first conduit section and the liquid in the second conduit section such that a direction of the electric current is intersecting the flow of the liquid in the first conduit section and in the second conduit section, and a magnetic field generating arrangement arranged to provide a magnetic field passing through the liquid in the first conduit section and the second conduit section such that a direction of the magnetic field is intersecting the flow of the liquid and the direction of the electric current.

Abstract: An X-ray tube that may include a cathode that is configured to generate an electron beam; an anode having a cavity that has an opening; wherein the anode is configured to receive the electron beam through the opening and to emit, through the opening, in response to the receiving of the electron beam, an X-ray beam from the opening; and electron optics that are configured to direct the electron beam towards the opening following a path that outside the cavity and in a vicinity of the opening, differs from a path of propagation the X-ray beam.

Abstract: Provided are a mammography apparatus, a control device, a mammography apparatus control method, and a mammography apparatus control program that can effectively reduce the subject's pain caused by the compression of the breast by a compression plate. A mammography apparatus includes a compression plate that compresses a breast, a moving unit that moves the compression plate in a compression direction in which the breast is compressed and a decompression direction in which the breast is decompressed, a radiation source that emits radiation, and a control unit that controls the moving unit such that the compression plate is moved to a first position in the compression direction and is moved to a second position in the decompression direction and performs control such that the radiation is emitted from the radiation source to the breast in a state in which the compression plate is located at the second position.

Abstract: Provided are a mammography apparatus, a control device, a mammography apparatus control method, and a mammography apparatus control program that can effectively reduce the subject's pain caused by the compression of the breast by a compression plate. A mammography apparatus includes a compression plate that compresses a breast, a moving unit that moves the compression plate in a compression direction in which the breast is compressed and a decompression direction in which the breast is decompressed, a radiation source that emits radiation, and a control unit that controls the moving unit such that the compression plate is moved to a first position in the compression direction and is moved to a second position in the decompression direction and performs control such that the radiation is emitted from the radiation source to the breast in a state in which the compression plate is located at the second position.

Abstract: Digital tomosynthesis systems, methods, and computer readable media for intraoral dental tomosynthesis imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging system includes an x-ray source array for positioning outside a mouth of a patient, wherein the x-ray source array contains multiple x-ray focal spots that are spatially distributed on an anode, an area digital x-ray detector for positioning inside the mouth of the patient, a geometry calibration mechanism for connecting the x-ray detector to the x-ray source array, an x-ray collimator for confining x-ray beams to a region of interest, a controller for regulating x-ray radiation and synchronization of the x-ray radiation with the x-ray detector, such that multiple 2D projection images of the ROI are acquired without mechanical motion of the x-ray source array, the x-ray detector, or the mouth of the patient, and a computer program and workstation for 3D tomosynthesis image reconstruction and display.

Abstract: An x-ray source in which monochromatic x-rays can be produced is provided. A method for producing X-rays and to the use of the x-ray source for x-raying bodies is also provided. A metallic film is arranged in a housing as a target which is bombarded with the electron beam. As a result, the metallic film is excited for emitting monochromatic x-rays, the relatively thin-walled target being modified such that the intended use for producing monochromatic x-rays is no longer possible. Therefore, advantageously, the production device can be pivoted for producing the electron beam as well as being able to wind the target on rollers.

Abstract: Structural parameters of a specimen are determined by fitting models of the response of the specimen to measurements collected by different measurement techniques in a combined analysis. X-ray measurement data of a specimen is analyzed to determine at least one specimen parameter value that is treated as a constant in a combined analysis of both optical measurements and x-ray measurements of the specimen. For example, a particular structural property or a particular material property, such as an elemental composition of the specimen, is determined based on x-ray measurement data. The parameter(s) determined from the x-ray measurement data are treated as constants in a subsequent, combined analysis of both optical measurements and x-ray measurements of the specimen. In a further aspect, the structure of the response models is altered based on the quality of the fit between the models and the corresponding measurement data.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an X-ray image of a subject on a flexible information carrier plate for computed radiography. A memory is affixed to a surface of the plate, wherein the affixed memory stores information about the plate and is in wireless communication with a computer. A first scan date is stored in the affixed memory. Obtaining the X-ray image uses steps of storing at least a job identifier and a scan status for the plate in the affixed memory; acquiring image data from a scan of the plate following exposure to X-rays, acquiring at least the job identifier from the affixed memory, and associating the acquired image data with the acquired job identifier; incrementing a scan count value and updating the scan status in the affixed memory; erasing image content from the plate; and storing the acquired image data in a second, computer-accessible memory according to the acquired job identifier.

Abstract: An X-ray source comprising a cathode element adapted to generate a stream of electrons. The X-ray source includes an anode element adapted to present a focal spot position for the stream of electrons. A vacuum chamber contains the cathode element and anode element. The anode element and/or the cathode element can be moveable with respect to the other in coordination with the generation of the stream of electrons.

Abstract: A method for assisted positioning of an organ is provided. An acquisition system comprises a platform underneath which a detector is placed for the acquisition of radiographic medical images, during which a radiation source is moved over different successive positions with respect to the detector, wherein at least one medical image is acquired at each position of the radiation source. The method comprises illuminating the platform with a light source of the acquisition system to assist the positioning of the organ on the platform; and determining, with a drive unit of the acquisition system, a positioning limit on the platform based on the distance separating the platform and a compression paddle used to compress the organ and based on the position of the light source relative to the detector, wherein the positioning limit on the platform is a limit beyond which the organ must not lie.

Abstract: A motion correction system and method for motion correction for an x-ray tube is presented. One embodiment of the motion correction system includes a sensing unit coupled to an x-ray tube to determine a distance with which an impingement location of an electron beam generated by the x-ray tube deviates from a determined location due to motion of the x-ray tube. The motion correction system further includes a control unit coupled to the sensing unit to generate a control signal corresponding to the distance with which the impingement location of the electron beam deviates. Also, the motion correction system includes a deflection unit coupled to the control unit to steer the electron beam to the determined location based on the generated control signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of micro-x-ray sources and methods for obtaining a micro-x-ray source are disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray source comprising a cathode element adapted to generate a stream of electrons. The X-ray source includes an anode element adapted to present a focal spot position for the stream of electrons. A vacuum chamber contains the cathode element and anode element. The anode element and/or the cathode element can be moveable with respect to the other in coordination with the generation of the stream of electrons.

Abstract: A distributed X-ray source (3) and an imaging system (1) comprising such an X-ray source (3) are proposed. The X-ray source (3) comprises an electron beam source arrangement (19) and an anode arrangement (17). The electron beam source arrangement (19) is adapted to emit electron beams (24) towards at least two locally distinct focal spots (27) on the anode arrangement (17). Therein, the X-ray source is adapted for displacing the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19). While the provision of a plurality of focal spots allows acquisition of projection images under different projection angles thereby allowing reconstruction of three-dimensional X-ray images e.g. in tomosynthesis application, a displacement motion of the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19) may allow for distributed heat flux to the anode arrangement thereby possibly reducing cooling requirements.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode target assembly having a support shaft connected to a pivot assembly and a movable anode target surface disposed at one end of the support shaft. A first drive assembly is operably arranged with respect to the support shaft to provide oscillatory motion to the anode target about a first axis substantially parallel to the support shaft and drive cylinder operably arranged with respect to the contact element to provide a pivoting motion to the support shaft. A second drive assembly is operably arranged with respect to the drive cylinder to provide an oscillatory motion to the drive cylinder, the second drive cylinder having a cam portion to provide linear motion to the support shaft parallel to the first axis. The target surface is maintained at a substantially constant angle of impingement and maintains a substantially fixed distance from a cathode during target motion.

Abstract: A distributed X-ray source (3) and an imaging system (1) comprising such an X-ray source (3) are proposed. The X-ray source (3) comprises an electron beam source arrangement (19) and an anode arrangement (17). The electron beam source arrangement (19) is adapted to emit electron beams (24) towards at least two locally distinct focal spots (27) on the anode arrangement (17). Therein, the X-ray source is adapted for displacing the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19). While the provision of a plurality of focal spots allows acquisition of projection images under different projection angles thereby allowing reconstruction of three-dimensional X-ray images e.g. in tomosynthesis application, a displacement motion of the anode arrangement (17) with respect to the electron beam source arrangement (19) may allow for distributed heat flux to the anode arrangement thereby possibly reducing cooling requirements.

Abstract: The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell.

Abstract: The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell.

Abstract: The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell.

Abstract: A high flux X-ray tube anode target assembly (101). The assembly includes a support shaft (107) connected to a pivot assembly (109). The assembly further includes a movable anode target (105) having a target surface (106) disposed at one end of the support shaft. The target surface includes a single radius of curvature. The radius of curvature extends from a pivot point (110). The assembly also includes a drive member (119) operably arranged with respect to the support shaft to provide motion to the anode target. The assembly is configured to maintain a substantially fixed distance between the pivot point and the target surface.

Abstract: The rotating anode x-ray tube comprises an anode, whose focal track has the shape of a saddle trajectory. A proper anode angle to enable a high power line focus is always realised along the focal path on the anode. The x-ray tube is for CT scanners and enables a movement of the focal spot along the patient axis during gantry rotation. In this way, cone beam artefacts due to the reconstruction may be avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating a medical instrument during an intervention performed on the human body using an X-ray image recording system and an electromagnetic locating system whose systems of coordinates have been or will be mutually registered, with a first item of positional information about the instrument being obtained continuously by means of the locating system and in each case two two-dimensional X-ray images positioned at an angle to each other being intermittently recorded by means of the X-ray image recording system, from which images a second item of positional information about the instrument is determined and compared with the first item of positional information, after which the first item of positional information will be corrected depending on the comparison result taking account of the second item of positional information obtained from the X-ray images.

Abstract: An X-ray tube anode assembly, an X-ray tube assembly and a method for heat management to an X-ray assembly having a movable X-ray target having a target surface. The anode assembly includes a drive member arranged and disposed to provide oscillatory motion to the target assembly and a target surface that is configured to remain at a substantially fixed distance from a cathode assembly during oscillatory motion.

Abstract: It is described an X-ray tube (205), in particular for use in computed tomography, comprising an electron source (250), for generating an electron beam (255), an electron deflection device (256) for deflecting the generated electron beam (255), a control unit (257) being coupled to the electron deflection device (256) for spatially controlling the deflection, and an anode (206), which is arranged such that the electron beam (255) impinges onto a focal spot of a surface of the anode (206). Thereby the anode (206) is movable along a z-axis in an oscillating manner, the surface of the anode (206) is oriented oblique with respect to the z-axis, and the control unit (257) is adapted to spatially control the focal spot (255 a) in such a manner that the focal spot moves essentially in a discrete manner between a first focal spot position (106a, 406a) having a first z-coordinate and a second focal spot position (106b, 406b) having a second z-coordinate being different from the first z-coordinate.

Abstract: Target 1 that is arranged in the disc direction is sprayed from nozzle 2 that has a slit-shaped aperture. Target 1 is conveyed on a gas stream. He gas is used in this example. Nozzle 2 may be vibrated by a piezo apparatus to spray disc-shaped target 1. Target 1 that is sprayed from nozzle 2 reaches the irradiation position of laser light with its direction unchanged since the exterior of nozzle 2 is maintained in a high vacuum. Synchronized with delivery of target 1, pulse laser light 5 from Nd:YAG light source 4 is focused by lens 3 and irradiated onto target 1. The spot diameter of the laser is the same 1 mm diameter as that of target 1. The thickness is not more than 1000 nm. Therefore, virtually the entire target is converted into plasma, debris generation is inhibited and the conversion efficiency is elevated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for advancing tape/ribbon through a targeting area where laser ablation of the tape occurs in laser produced plasma equipment. Disclosed systems include a first positioning surface perpendicular to further positioning devices, where all of the positioning components work to precisely position the advancing tape in the point source area. After the first positioning device, the remaining positioning surfaces are parallel and provide positioning forces on the tape along a single horizontal axis, but in alternately opposing directions. Such forces assist to precisely position the tape in the desired target location, and to control the rate of advancement of the tape by imparting friction on the tape in alternating, opposing directions. A steady drive roller serves to pull the tape through the system, and works in conjunction with the friction imparted by the positioning surfaces to advance the tape at a substantially constant velocity.

Abstract: An anticathode is repeatedly moved along a rotating axis of the anticathode while the anticathode is rotated around the rotating axis. Then, energy beams are irradiated onto a surface portion of the anticathode which is located against a centrifugal force generated from the rotation of the anticathode to partially melt the surface portion through the heating said surface portion near the melting point of the anticathode or over the melting point of the anticathode, thereby generating an X-ray from the rotating anticathode.

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube, a rotary anode and a rotary structure supporting the anode are arranged within the vacuum envelope. A stationary shaft has a middle section which is fitted into a cylindrical portion of the rotary structure, and a dynamic pressure type radial bearing is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the middle section. The stationary shaft also has a first section between one end of the middle section and one end of the stationary shaft, and a second section between the other end of the middle section and the other end of the stationary shaft, which are fixed to the vacuum envelope. A transverse stiffness of the second section is set to be larger than a transverse stiffness of the first section, and a center of gravity is positioned in the middle section.

Abstract: X-ray generation apparatus including an elongated target body and a mount from which the body projects to a tip remote from the mount. The target body includes a substance that, on being irradiated by a beam of electrons of suitable energy directed onto the target body from laterally of the elongate target body, generates a source of x-ray radiation from a volume of interaction of the electron beam with the target body. The mount provides a heat sink for the target body.

Abstract: An X-ray generating apparatus for generating X-rays by irradiating a target with an electron beam. Wherein the apparatus includes a vibration applying means for vibrating the target in directions parallel to a surface thereof. A colliding spot of the electron beam is movable on the target while maintaining an X-ray focus in the same position on the electron beam without fluctuating the X-ray focal position. This enlarges an actual area of electron collision on the target to disperse the generated heat, thereby to suppress a local temperature rise of the target due to the electron collision. The X-ray generating apparatus is compact, and has a long life and a high X-ray intensity.

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube, a rotary anode and a rotary structure supporting the anode are arranged within the vacuum envelope. A stationary shaft has a middle section which is fitted into a cylindrical portion of the rotary structure, and a dynamic pressure type radial bearing is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the middle section. The stationary shaft also has a first section between one end of the middle section and one end of the stationary shaft, and a second section between the other end of the middle section and the other end of the stationary shaft, which are fixed to the vacuum envelope. A transverse stiffness of the second section is set to be larger than a transverse stiffness of the first section, and a center of gravity is positioned in the middle section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an x-ray source including an electron-generation chamber with an electron beam source that emits electrons and a target chamber with a support structure and a target positioned within the support structure. The emitted electrons travel in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis extending between the electron-generation chamber and the target chamber towards the target and bombard the target to generate x-rays. The target is movable, while being bombarded with electrons, with respect to the support structure in at least one direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: One or more metal targets are formed on a base member patterning technique such as a masking process. The metal targets may be irradiated by an electron beam to generate X-rays.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (10) includes an anode (14) connected to a mechanical drive (36). The mechanical drive oscillates the anode in a gyrating motion relative to a body of the x-ray tube. The mechanical drive is operatively connected to the anode via a bellows assembly (16) and is capable of rocking the anode in two axes simultaneously. The preferred anode is shaped in a shperical section (28) providing a fixed focal distance between the anode and a cathode (20) regardless of relative position of the anode within the body. An electron shield (40) is disposed between the cathode and the anode and has an opening along a preferred path for electron travel. Improved heat exchange is provided by applying a heat transfer agent to an obverse side of the anode which is preferably located outside of a vacuum envelope (18) defined by the x-ray tube body, the anode, and the bellows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube which includes a sleeve bearing comprising an inner bearing member (9) and an outer bearing member (8). The inner bearing member itself includes three bearing portions, the first (94) of which takes up the axial bearing forces whereas the second bearing portion takes up the radial bearing forces and the third bearing portion (96) interconnects the first and the second bearing portion in such a manner that the symmetry axis (11) of the first or the second bearing portion can perform a swaying motion about the axis of rotation (10) during rotation of the two bearing members. Adequate bearing capacity is thus ensured even when the axial bearing surfaces do not extend exactly perpendicularly to the radial bearing surfaces.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube having a housing, an outer frame for providing a vacuum, a cathode mounted in the outer frame to project a stream of electrons, and an anode disposed to receive the electron stream at a focal spot position to produce X-rays, apparatus is provided for selectively mounting the anode within the housing. More particularly, the apparatus is disposed to respond to the heat generated by the X-ray production process to provide compensation for undesirable effects resulting from thermal expansion of the anode.

Abstract: In microfocus X-ray equipment for enlarging radiographic short-time recordings, a focussed electron beam for the production of X-radiation (16) impinges on the retarding material of a target (23). In this case, the retarding material in the focal spot (22) passes over into the liquid aggregate state due to the high thermal loading. For this reason, the equipment is operated in pulsed operation, wherein the position of the focal spot (22) on the target (23) is, when each loading occurs, displaced relative to the previous position. The retarding material is arranged in a retarding layer (32) on a carrier layer (33) and the electron beam (16) impinges on the retarding layer (32) oriented perpendicularly to the electron beam (16). A control interrupts the irradiation at the latest when the carrier layer (33) starts to melt.

Abstract: The generation of excessive electron radiation or X-ray radiation is prevented in an apparatus which comprises an accelerator means for generating and accelerating electrons. These electrons form an electron beam which has a predetermined low intensity level for the generation of electron radiation or a predetermined high intensity level for the generation of X-ray radiation. In case of generating electron radiation a scattering foil or a target, respectively are arranged in the trajectory of the electron beam. The foil and the target are movably arranged on a support means.

Abstract: A high intensity x-ray source that uses a flowing stream of liquid gallium as a target with the electron beam impinging directly on the liquid metal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray lithography system having a long life target. The life of the conventional target in X-ray generating systems for use in X-ray lithography systems is increased by providing means by which a single laser pulse can be provided to the same spot a plurality of times. In addition, new target designs are provided which are mechanically moved to allow laser pulses to be provided to adjacent points over a large surface area. One type of target is a cylindrical drum which is helically rotated to allow the laser pulse to intersect at all points along the helix of the drum. A second type of long life target is a long continuous strip in which a strip is moved from a feed reel to a take-up reel. The strip may be within a cassette.

Abstract: An evacuated envelope is formed with a portion of larger diameter and tubular portions extending along the axis on both sides of the portion of larger diameter in opposite directions. A target with a rotatable anode is arranged in the portion of larger diameter. A pair of shafts arranged on the tube axis and fixed on both sides of this target are arranged in the tubular portions. Each shaft has at least one flange of insulating material on the side facing the target and on its periphery is provided with a metal tube constituting a rotor of a magnetic bearing. On the outermost side of the tubular portion there are arranged a magnetic field generating device and a magnetic drive device that rotates the rotatable anode target.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus with focus position control, the focus being formed on the anode of an X-ray tube with magnetic bearings. The X-ray apparatus comprises a focus position sensing device cooperating with electronic means associated with the magnetic bearings, in order to control the position of the focus by displacing a rotor under the action of the magnetic bearings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the controlling of the position of the focus of an X-ray tube, a applicable to the monitoring of X-ray equipment equipped with X-ray tubes and to the installation of the latter in shields. The invention also relates to a control apparatus for performing the above process. According to the process of the invention, the image of the focus of an X-ray tube is produced on two X-radiation sensitive, contiguous detector means. Each of the detector means supplied an output signal, whose amplitude is a function of the distribution of said image of said detector means. The output signals are applied to a comparison means, which supplies a difference signal linked with the position of the focus along a first given axis.

Abstract: An X-ray tube including a chamber enclosing an anode disc rotatable about an axis, and movable transversely with respect to that axis, the tube also enclosing an electron beam source for projecting electrons along a beam directed towards a planar surface of the anode disc. The beam source is disposed so as to direct its beam at an acute angle of incidence to the planar surface of the anode disc and produce X-rays which are thereupon reflected from the anode disc through a window in the chamber.