Abstract: An x-ray tube has a number of emitters that generate respective electron beams, and has a common anode at which the electron beams strike on a surface to generate x-rays. A high x-ray dose power with a long lifespan are achieved while being able to quickly vary the x-ray dose power by using a superimposed intensity distribution from the x-ray beams, which is measured by a detector, to optimize the x-ray beams on the surface.

Abstract: A system for producing at least one high flux photon beam is provided. The system includes two or more photon sources configured to produce photon beams, and at least one first stage optic device coupled to at least one of the photon sources and providing at least one focused photon beam through total internal reflection, wherein at least one of the photon beams and the focused photon beams are combined at a virtual focal spot.

Abstract: A source of X-rays including at least two cathodes and at least one common anode configured and arranged so as to generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays emanating from respectively different locations of the anode, and separately controlled so as to be generated independently of one another. The staggered focal spots can be generated simultaneously or alternately as required. An X-ray imaging system comprising such an X-rays source, and a method utilizing such a source are also disclosed.

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: 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: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes a structure forming a cavity and having a first wall and a second wall, at least one target positioned on the first wall within the cavity and configured to receive a first electron beam at a first spot position and a second electron beam at a second spot position, and a shielding material positioned on the second wall.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes a frame, an anode for generating x-rays disposed within the frame, a cathode disposed within the frame, where the cathode is configured to selectively emit an electron beam toward the anode, and at least one heating element disposed within the frame and configured to heat a portion of the anode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system has an x-ray source having an electron field emission source that emits an x-ray beam that strikes an elongated, stationary anode in an evacuated housing. A magnetic deflection system steers the electron beam between the electron field emission source and the anode, so that the electron beam can strike the anode at different locations, thereby causing x-rays to be emitted from those different locations, by controlling the degree of magnetic deflection. A radiation detector detects the x-rays after attenuation by an examination subject, and generates signals dependent on the detected radiation that represent an image of the subject.

Abstract: To scan an object with differently shaped cone beams (112, 122), the present invention provides a CT scanner with a moveable X-ray tube (the meaning of “move the x-ray tube among a plurality of predefined positions” also covers the situation that the anode disk is moved among a plurality of corresponding positions, while the shell of the x-ray tube does not move). The X-ray tube is not only moveable along the axial direction, but also along the radial direction of the CT scanner gantry. The scanner comprises an X-ray tube, which X-ray tube further comprises: an anode disk (100), comprising a plurality of focal tracks (110, 120) each focal track being cone-shaped with an anode angle (114, 124) different from the anode angle(s) of the other focal track(s); and a first cathode (210), configured to emanate an electron beam targeting at least one of the plurality of focal tracks.

Abstract: An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis system with a rotating anode X-ray tube enabling a circular scan trajectory, wherein the X-ray tube 1 may be equipped with a large number of cathodes (21, 22) distributed around an anode. This allows to generate X-rays (41, 42) at focal spot positions (11, 12), for example evenly distributed on a for example circular line (14) on the surface (15) of an anode (10). The object (61) may be located on the (10) axis of rotation (6) of the anode at some distance to the source. For an examination, the object (61) may be exposed to X-ray beams (41, 42) generated successively on all focal spot positions (11, 12), wherein no movement of the X-ray tube 1 is necessary. The transmitted X-ray intensities may be measured by a flat panel detector (50) to achieve a reconstructed three-dimensional image data.

Abstract: A compact apparatus can form multi X-ray beams with good controllability. Electron beams (e) emitted from electron emission elements (15) of a multi electron beam generating unit (12) receive the lens effect of a lens electrode (19). The resultant electron beams are accelerated to the final potential level by portions of a transmission-type target portion (13) of an anode electrode (20). The multi X-ray beams (x) generated by the transmission-type target portion (13) pass through an X-ray shielding plate (23) and X-ray extraction portions (24) in a vacuum chamber and are extracted from the X-ray extraction windows (27) of a wall portion (25) into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, at least one x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays toward the object, a detector coupled to the gantry and having a scintillator therein and configured to receive x-rays that pass through the object, and a generator configured to energize the at least one x-ray source.

Abstract: A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes an electron source mounting plate, two or more electron sources each mounted on and electrically coupled to the electron source mounting plate, and a target block positioned proximately to the two or more electron sources. The source includes two or more targets mounted on and electrically coupled to the target block, each target positioned opposite a respective one of the two or more electron sources to receive a respective beam of electrons therefrom.

Abstract: A multiple spot x-ray generator is provided that includes a plurality of electron generators. Each electron generator includes an emitter element to emit an electron beam, a meshed grid adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element, and a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from each of the emitter elements and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on a shielded target anode, the shielded target anode structure producing an array of x-ray focal spots when impinged by electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators. The plurality of electron generators are arranged to form an electron generator matrix that includes activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators, wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom.

Abstract: An improved x-ray tube that includes a plurality of cathodes in a region under vacuum is provided. Several wirelessly activatable elements, which are each assigned to a cathode or a group of cathodes, are arranged in the region under vacuum and make an electrically conducting connection of the cathode or the group of cathodes to a cathode control voltage line when receiving a control signal from outside of the region under vacuum. A system that includes the improved x-ray tube and several transmitter elements for the wireless activation of the wirelessly activatable elements is also provided.

Abstract: An x-ray source (32) for performing energy discrimination within an imaging system (10) includes a cathode-emitting device (82) for emitting electrons and an anode (81) that has a target (80) whereupon the electrons impinge to generate an x-ray beam (93) with multiple x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120). A method of performing energy discrimination in the imaging system (10) includes emitting the electrons. The x-ray beam (93) with the x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120) is generated. The x-ray beam (93) is directed through an object (44) and is thereafter received. An x-ray image having multiple energy differentiable characteristics is generated in response to the x-ray beam (93) as received.

Abstract: A radiation source having self-shading electrodes is disclosed. Debris originating from the electrodes is reduced. The path from the electrodes to the EUV optics is blocked by part of the electrodes themselves (termed self-shading). This may significantly reduce the amount of electrode-generated debris.

Abstract: An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure.

Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned and an x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays through the opening. The x-ray source includes a target, a first cathode configured to emit a first beam of electrons toward the target, a first gridding electrode coupled to the first cathode, a second cathode configured to emit a second beam of electrons toward the target, and a second gridding electrode coupled to the second cathode. The system includes a generator configured to energize the first cathode to a first kVp and to energize the second cathode to a second kVp, and a detector attached to the gantry and positioned to receive x-rays that pass through the opening.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a number of emitters that generate respective electron beams, and has a common anode at which the electron beams strike on a surface to generate x-rays. A high x-ray dose power with a long lifespan are achieved while being able to quickly vary the x-ray dose power by using a superimposed intensity distribution from the x-ray beams, which is measured by a detector, to optimize the x-ray beams on the surface.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving z-axis coverage and/or reducing cone beam artifacts during CT imaging. Multiple X-ray emission points are provided along the z-axis. Some or all of the emission points may be concurrently active. X-rays from concurrently active emission points are collimated so that X-rays from two or more emission points do not overlap on the detector. In addition, different groups of concurrently activated emission points may be sequentially or alternately activated, in conjunction with collimation, to prevent the overlap of X-rays from different emission points on the detector. In this manner, The X-rays may be timed and collimated such that the respective streams of radiation become adjacent at different locations, such as at the detector, the isocenter, or edge of the field of view.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing individual electron emitters in an emitter array is disclosed. The system includes an emitter array comprising a plurality of emitter elements arranged in a non-rectangular layout and configured to generate at least one electron beam and a plurality of extraction grids positioned adjacent to the emitter array, each extraction grid being associated with at least one emitter element to extract the at least one electron beam therefrom. The field emitter array system also includes a plurality of voltage control channels connected to the plurality of emitter elements and the plurality of extraction grids such that each of the emitter elements and each of the extraction grids is individually addressable. In the field emitter array system, the number of voltage control channels is equal to the sum of a pair of integers closest in value whose product equals the number of emitter elements.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in an explosive detection system includes only a single power supply and only a single X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes only two electron guns and only a single anode. Each electron gun has its own grid and cathode. The X-ray source switches between producing a higher energy X-ray and producing a lower energy X-ray at a frequency of at least 4000 Hz.

Abstract: A radiation source is disclosed that includes an anode and a cathode that are configured and arranged to create a discharge in a substance in a discharge space between the anode and the cathode and to form a plasma so as to generate electromagnetic radiation, the anode and the cathode being rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation, the cathode being arranged to hold a liquid metal. The radiation source further includes an activation source arranged to direct an energy beam onto the liquid metal so as to vaporize part of the liquid metal and a liquid metal provider arranged to supply additional liquid metal so as to compensate for the vaporized part of the liquid metal.

Abstract: A radiation source which can emit X-ray flux, UV-C flux and other forms of radiation uses electron beam current from a cathode array formed on the window through which the radiation will exit the source. The source can be made in formats which are compact or flat compared with prior art radiation sources. X-ray, UV-C and other radiative flux produced by the source can be used for such purposes as radiation imaging, sterilization, decontamination of biohazards, UV curing or photolithography.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus that has at least one radiator module (1) with a vacuum housing. The at least one radiator module is arranged at least partially around an examination space. The apparatus has an anode segment and, opposite the anode segment, at least two potential-separated cathode segments are arranged in the vacuum housing. The cathode segments thermionically emit electrons upon exposure with laser light. The electrons strike the anode segment and generate x-ray radiation of corresponding energy. Such an x-ray apparatus is more simple structured in terms of design.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet source with wide-angle vapor containment and reflux is described. In the optical output directions radiating from the source plasma there is an array of tapered buffer gas heat pipes, with wick structures in the walls. In directions toward the insulators separating the discharge electrodes there are disc-shaped buffered gas heat pipes that prevent metal vapor from condensing on these insulators. A preferred electrode configuration has three electrode discs that operate in the star pinch mode. Another electrode configuration comprises two electrode discs and supports a pseudospark discharge. The star pinch variant of this source has efficiently generated 13.5 nm radiation with lithium vapor and helium buffer gas.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in an explosive detection system includes only a single power supply and only a single X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes only two electron guns and only a single anode. Each electron gun has its own grid and cathode. The X-ray source switches between producing a higher energy X-ray and producing a lower energy X-ray at a frequency of at least 4000 Hz.

Abstract: In one aspect, an x-ray scanning device is provided. The x-ray scanning device comprises a target adapted to convert electron-beam (e-beam) energy into x-ray energy, a detector array positioned to detect at least some x-rays emitted from the target, and a conveyer mechanism adapted to convey items to be inspected through an inspection region formed by the target and the detector array, wherein the target and the detector array are rotated out of alignment with each other such that x-rays emitted from the target impinge on diametrically positioned detectors of the detector array without passing through near-side detectors of the detector array.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has at least one radiator module with a sealed vacuum housing and a high voltage connection. The at least one radiator module extends only partially around an examination space and has at least two x-ray sources that can be controlled individually.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas discharge source, in particular for EUV radiation and/or soft X-ray radiation, in which, in a vacuum chamber, at least two electrodes with an at least approximately circular periphery are rotatably mounted for rotation, wherein the electrodes at one spatial position have a small spacing for the ignition of a gas discharge and are in each case connected to a reservoir for a liquid, electrically conductive material in such a way that, during rotation, a liquid film of the electrically conductive material can form over the circular periphery of the electrodes and a flow of current to the electrodes is made possible via the reservoirs.

Abstract: A compact x-ray source includes an electron beam source with a metallic film on a diamond window. The metallic film, which may be copper or scandium, absorbs the electron beams and produces k-alpha x-rays. The diamond window is a single crystal of diamond with a crystallographic orientation to diffract the x-rays, thereby producing a monochromatic and well collimated x-ray beam. The orientation of the crystal lattice may be configured to produce multiple x-ray beams. A plurality of electron beam sources may also be used to generate multiple x-ray beams. A detector is used to receive the x-ray beam after it interacts with a sample to be measured.

Abstract: In a method for operating an x-ray device, an x-ray beam is generated at a focal spot of a rotary anode that is rotatable around a rotation axis, and the x-ray beam is gated with a slit-shaped diaphragm to produce a fan-shaped x-ray beam, that is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: An x-ray device includes an x-ray tube for generation of an x-ray emanating from a focal spot of a rotary anode rotatable around a rotation axis and a slit-shaped diaphragm for generation of a fan-shaped x-ray beam that is gated from the x-ray and emission is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: A method for scanning an object to reduce image degradation includes scanning the object in a helical mode using a multi-slice CT imaging system having a plurality of detector arrays arranged along a z-axis direction and a radiation source having a beam focal spot. The method further includes wobbling the focal spot of the radiation source in the z-axis direction during the scanning to selectively preferentially illuminate individual detector arrays through the scanned object for each view. Data is collected from each detector array for each view only when the detector array from which data is being collected is selectively illuminated.

Abstract: An x-ray source (32) for performing energy discrimination within an imaging system (10) includes a cathode-emitting device (82) emitting electrons and an anode (81) that has a target (80) whereupon the electrons impinge to generate an x-ray beam (93) with multiple x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120). A method of performing energy discrimination in the imaging system (10) includes emitting the electrons. The x-ray beam (93) with the x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120) is generated. The x-ray beam (93) is directed through an object (44) and is received. An x-ray image having multiple energy differentiable characteristics is generated in response to the x-ray beam (93).

Abstract: This invention provides an X-ray tube apparatus which can output X-rays of a dose suitable for radioscopy for a long time. In the apparatus, small focus filaments are provided on respective sides of a large focus filament, such that they have almost equal distances from the center of the large focus filament, and the inclination angles of converging electrodes surrounding the respective small focus filaments with respect to a cathode main body are set to almost equal angles within a range of 20 to 40°.

Abstract: An anode assembly having multiple target electrodes is disclosed. Each target electrode produces an x-ray fan beam for radiographic data acquisition. The target electrodes are designed to sequentially generate an x-ray fan beam and therefore operate at a proportional duty cycle per scan. Power output capabilities of the anode assembly is increased without an increase in the size or thermal overloading of the anode assembly.

Abstract: To solve a difference in an emitting directions by switching the types of X-rays. An X-ray generator comprises: an anticathode unit 3 in which a plurality of anticathode parts 2 (2A and 2B) that emit X-rays by collision of thermoelectrons are disposed side by side; a cathode 4 for releasing the thermoelectrons toward the anticathode parts 2A and 2B on the anticathode unit 3; and a cathode moving mechanism that switches the anticathode parts, against which the thermoelectrons from the cathode 4 collide by moving the cathode 4 along the diction of aligning anticathode parts 2A and 2B.

Abstract: To adjust the emission rate of radiation from an X-ray tube, the value of the current of the X-ray tube is modeled empirically by a second-order polynomial function depending on the heating current and a first-order polynomial function depending on the high voltage. A transfer function gives precision closer than 3% for the adjusting of an expected tube current. This function can also be used to take account of disparities of manufacture and of the aging of the tubes in use.

Abstract: A flat panel x-ray tube assembly is provided comprising a cathode assembly including a plurality of emitter elements. An anode substrate is included having a substrate upper surface facing the plurality of emitter elements and a substrate lower surface. The substrate upper surface is positioned parallel to the plurality of emitter elements. A plurality of target wells are formed in the substrate upper surface. Each of the plurality of target wells comprises a first angled side surface positioned at an acute angle relative to the substrate upper surface. A plurality of first target elements is applied to each to one of the first angled side surfaces. The first target elements generate x-rays in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of emitter elements in response to electrons received from one of the plurality of emitter elements.

Abstract: An x-ray source with an x-ray source target are provided. The x-ray source includes an electron source. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray transmission window. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray source target located between the electron source and the window, wherein the target is arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to generate x-rays in the x-ray source target, and a rotational mechanism adapted to rotate the x-ray source target. A method of producing x-rays and an x-ray target are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated systems for generating neutrons to perform a variety of tasks including: on-line analysis of bulk material and industrial process control (as shown in FIG. 1), security interrogation (as shown in FIG. 2), soil and environmental analysis, and medical diagnostic treatment. These systems are based on novel gas-target neutron generation which embodies the beneficial characteristics of replenishable fusible gas targets for very long lifetime, stability and continuous operation, combined with the advantageous features common to conventional accelerator neutron tubes including: on/off operation, hermetically sealed operation, and safe storage and transport. Innovative electron management techniques provide gas-target neutron production efficiencies that are comparable or surpass existing sources.

Abstract: A multisource type X-ray CT apparatus including a fixed sensor array, a fixed vacuum chamber, and an X-ray generation unit. The X-ray generation unit includes a cathode and an anode which are fixed in the vacuum chamber so as to surround the sensor array, a gate array including a plurality of grid electrodes which are densely fixed between the cathode and anode and which include holes for passing the electron beams, a power source which applies a bias voltage to the grid electrodes of the gate array, and a controller which controls the power supply operation from the power source so as to select the grid electrode suitable for image pickup from the gate array in accordance with an image pickup portion of the subject and to release the bias voltage applied to the selected grid electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the incidence of electric field stress on portions of insulating structures within high voltage devices is disclosed. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein modifies the conductive properties of the insulating structure surface in a non-uniform manner such that the distribution of voltage potential along the surface thereof is more fully equalized during operation of the high voltage device. This, in turn, reduces the per unit stress on the insulating structure caused by the electric field of the high voltage device. Though embodiments of the present invention are preferably directed to utilization in x-ray tube devices, a variety of high voltage devices may benefit from application of the disclosed matter.

Abstract: In a hot cathode of an X-ray tube of the kind having a thermoelectronic emitter supported by a heating element, the emitter is comprised of plural emitter regions separated from each other. Each emitter region has the largest measure less than 3 mm, so that no crack occurs on the thermoelectronic emitter. The hot cathode is comprised of a heating element made of glassy carbon and a thermoelectronic emitter supported by the heating element. The emitter is comprised of plural emitter regions made of sintered lanthanum hexaboride. The hot cathode can be produced as described below. The heating element with a thickness of 1 mm is formed, at its thermoelectron-emitting side, with four recesses each of which is 2.6 mm in length, 0.5 mm in width and 0.3 mm in depth. The recesses are filled with lanthanum hexaboride powder, which is then sintered to complete four emitter regions.

Abstract: A controller is provided for selectively and independently control each of a plurality of therapeutic radiation sources arranged along an array. The controller is operable to selectively generate therapeutic radiation at selected time intervals and at selected intensities. The controller includes intensity control circuitry for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller also includes duration control circuitry for controlling the duration of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller may also include a mechanical introducer for inserting the array into a treatment region, and for withdrawing the array from the treatment region.