Abstract: A miniaturized, increased efficiency x-ray source for materials analysis includes a laser source, an optical delivery structure, a laser-driven thermionic cathode (108), an anode (122), and a target from the laser source and directs the beam onto a surface of the themionic cathode. The surfaces electrons form an electron beam along a beam path. The target element (110) is disposed in the beam path, and emits x-rays in response to incident accelerated electrons from the thermionic cathode. The target element includes an inclined surface that forms an angle of inclination (113) of about 40 degrees with respect to the electon beam path, so that x-rays are emitted from the target substantially at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the electron beam path.

Abstract: An x-ray device and method useful in performing close coupled sample analyses. The x-ray device includes an evacuated enclosure having a window and in which is disposed a cathode assembly, control grid, insulator, and anode arranged so that the anode is interposed between the electron source and the window. The anode includes a target surface oriented toward the window and the anode defines a drift tunnel which is substantially aligned with a hollow defined by the insulator. The control grid can be used to influence the energy of the electrons emitted by the filament of the cathode assembly. A high voltage field between the anode and filament causes electrons emitted by the cathode to accelerate rapidly through the insulator. After accelerating to an energy level consistent with the high voltage field, the electrons then pass through the drift tunnel without gaining any additional appreciable energy.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode comprising a focal track and a cathode assembly configured to emit an electron beam toward a focal spot on the focal track. The x-ray tube also includes a controller configured to wobble the electron beam among a plurality of focal points in a direction tangent to the focal track. The plurality of focal points includes at least one focal point that is bounded by a pair of boundary focal points. The controller is further configured to delay a wobble of the electron beam away from the at least one focal point for a pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: An x-ray tube includes an anode comprising a focal track and a cathode assembly configured to emit an electron beam toward a focal spot on the focal track. The x-ray tube also includes a controller configured to wobble the electron beam among a plurality of focal points in a direction tangent to the focal track. The plurality of focal points includes at least one focal point that is bounded by a pair of boundary focal points. The controller is further configured to delay a wobble of the electron beam away from the at least one focal point for a pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of computer-assisted data operating algorithms in a medical context. Datasets are compiled and accessed, which may include data from a wide range of resources, including controllable and prescribable resources, such as imaging systems. The datasets are analyzed by a human expert or medical professional, and the algorithms are modified based upon feedback from the human expert or professional. Modifications may be made to a wide range of algorithms and based upon a wide range of data, such as available from an integrated knowledge base. Modifications may be made in sub-modules of the algorithms providing enhanced functionality. Modifications may also be made on various bases, including patient-specific changes, population-specific changes, feature-specific changes, and so forth.

Abstract: A device for irradiating tissue encompassing at least one electron source for generating an electron beam, numerous radiation heads that are firmly and annularly arranged in a supporting frame around an isocenter of the device and emit radiation towards the isocenter, and one beam guidance system to guide the electron beam in the housing towards the radiation heads. The beam guidance system has been built as a polygon, especially as a pentagon arranged like a ring around the isocenter, in which case media for deflecting the electron beam have been placed at every corner point of the polygon.

Abstract: A radiation source for a measurement tool includes an electron source configured to provide an electron beam, an anode configured to emit X-ray radiation under irradiation with the electron beam, and a deflection unit arranged between the electron source and the anode and operable to deflect the electron beam.

Abstract: A system for treating target cells with both positive and negative ions comprises a bi-polar beam delivery system configured to create and deliver both positive ion beams and negative ion beams. The bi-polar beam delivery system comprises a bi-polar accelerator configured to accelerate positive and negative ions in the same direction making such a bi-polar beam delivery system practical.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly is provided comprising a tube casing assembly including a plurality of vertical mount posts. An insulator plate is mounted to the plurality of vertical mount posts such that the insulator plate can translate vertically on the posts. A cathode assembly is mounted to the insulator plate and generates both an eccentric moment and a vertical expansion in response to a cathode power load. A semi-compressible element is positioned between at least one of the vertical mount posts and the insulator plate. The semi-compressible element becomes incompressible at a cathode power threshold such that the vertical expansion is translated into a correction moment countering the eccentric moment.

Abstract: A method includes performing an at least partially automated method to synchronize an x-ray source focal spot (FS) position to a FS deflection feedback signal.

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 source includes a magnetic appliance to provide electron beam focusing. The magnetic appliance can provide variably focused and non-focused configurations. The magnetic appliance can include one or more electromagnets and/or permanent magnets. An electric potential difference is applied to an anode and a cathode that are disposed on opposite sides of an evacuated tube. The cathode includes a cathode element to produce electrons that are accelerated towards the anode in response to the electric field between the anode and the cathode. The anode includes a target material to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons.

Abstract: A compact, reliable scanning electron-beam x-ray source achieves reduced complexity and cost. In particular, the x-ray source includes an electron beam that is propagated parallel to an x-ray target and is swept across the target in response to a moving magnetic cross field. Rather than scanning the beam by deflecting it about a single point, the point of deflection is translated along the target length, dramatically reducing the volume of the device. The magnetic cross field is translated along the target length using either mechanical systems to move permanent magnets, or electrical systems to energize an array of electromagnets.

Abstract: An x-ray tube comprises an envelope, an anode target rotatably mounted within the envelope, and a cathode and window assembly mounted within the envelope and spaced relative to the anode. The cathode and window assembly includes an electrically insulative ceramic base defining an x-ray transmissive window therethrough, a recess formed within the electrically insulative base adjacent to a peripheral portion of the x-ray transmissive window, a filamentary electrode received within the recess, first and second metalized conductive surfaces formed on a surface of the recess on opposite sides of the filamentary electrode and substantially electrically isolated relative to one another, a first terminal electrically connected to the first metalized conductive surface, a second terminal electrically connected to the second metalized conductive surface, and a high voltage cable receptacle located on a second side of the electrically insulative ceramic base.

Abstract: A device for generation of x-ray radiation has one or more cold electron sources as a cathode and at least one x-ray target as an anode that are arranged in an evacuable housing. Upon application of an electrical voltage between cathode and anode, electrons emitted from the electron source are accelerated in an electron beam onto the x-ray target. A device for reduction of the proportion of positive ions in the region of the electron source is arranged between the electron source and the x-ray target in the housing. The device exhibits a long lifespan with good focusing capability and fast modulation capability of the electron beam.

Abstract: An x-ray source has an evacuated tube. An anode is disposed in the tube and includes a material configured to produce x-rays in response to impact of electrons. A cathode is disposed in the tube opposing the anode configured to produce electrons accelerated towards the anode in response to an electric field between the anode and the cathode. A flange extends from the cathode toward the anode, and has a smaller diameter than the evacuated tube. The flange extends closer to the anode than an interface between the cathode and the tube thus forming a reduced-field region between the evacuated tube and the flange.

Abstract: For reducing of the weight of leakage x-ray radiation shielding for a rotary piston x-ray tube that rotates in a cooling medium in a radiator housing of an x-ray radiator, the rotary piston x-ray tube having a rotary anode and a cathode fixedly connected with the vacuum housing thereof, the vacuum housing has at least one first region of a total shielding and the radiator housing has at least a second region of the total shielding. Only the respective regions of the vacuum housing and the radiator housing has that are irradiated by the leakage x-ray radiation are provided with shielding.

Abstract: An electron beam with a circular cross section is flattened to form a flat electron beam with a flattened cross section. Then, the flat electron beam is irradiated onto a target, thereby generating an X-ray. Since the flat electron beam has high energy density, the X-ray can be generated in high intensity.

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: An X-ray generator includes an electron source generating an electron beam, a target generating an X-ray by a collision of the electron beam and extending in a direction orthogonal to the electron beam, and a cylindrical electrode covering a collision portion of the target to which the electron beam collides and having a bore allowing the electron beam to pass through. The electron source and the target are arranged in such a way that the X-ray is radiated in the direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the electron beam. A depression equivalent to a notch of the target is provided in a collision face side of the electron beam on the target and also in a reverse location of a tip of the target located on an outgoing radiation side of the X-ray relative to a collision location of the electron beam on the target.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an electron gun in which a Wehnelt electrode is formed with an opening asymmetric about an electron emitter. The electron emitter is an elongate coil filament which is disposed inside the elongate opening of the Wehnelt electrode. The opening has two longer sides positioned asymmetrically about a center-of-width line of the filament. Each of the two longer sides is curved in the same direction as viewed in a direction normal to the front face of the Wehnelt electrode. The two longer sides have curvature radii R1 and R2 different from each other, so that an electron-beam-irradiation region on a target is not curved but becomes almost straight.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained x-ray source, and a compact x-ray source panel having a plurality of such x-ray sources arranged in a preferably broad-area pixelized array. Each x-ray source includes an electron source for producing an electron beam, an x-ray conversion target, and a multilayer insulator separating the electron source and the x-ray conversion target from each other. The multi-layer insulator preferably has a cylindrical configuration with a plurality of alternating insulator and conductor layers surrounding an acceleration channel leading from the electron source to the x-ray conversion target. A power source is connected to each x-ray source of the array to produce an accelerating gradient between the electron source and x-ray conversion target in any one or more of the x-ray sources independent of other x-ray sources in the array, so as to accelerate an electron beam towards the x-ray conversion target.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method for controlling an electron beam (e-beam) in an X-ray tube. The method comprises emitting electrons from an electron source to form the e-beam, accelerating the e-beam from a cathode through an aperture in a plate, focusing and steering the e-beam from the aperture through a plurality of field generating plates, and accelerating the e-beam from the plurality of the field generating plates to a target. Also provided are X-ray tubes and computed tomography systems.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tumor therapy method and an articulated electron beam transport system are provided for use with a high power, long focus electron source for tumor therapy. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a laparoscopic tube proximate a target tumor for electron irradiation therapy.

Abstract: A compact and low-cost electromagnetic wave generator in which X-rays having high intensity can be generated and the energy of generated X-rays can rapidly be switched. In an electromagnetic wave generator including a circular accelerator, a deflection electromagnet incorporated in the circular accelerator focuses injected and accelerated electrons. The circular accelerator produces stable closed electron orbits in respective regions with respective widths in the radial direction of the accelerator. The closed electron orbits are stable during injection and acceleration of electrons. A target is arranged across only some of the stable closed electron orbits so that a collision region, where a circulating electron beam collides with the target, and a non-collision region, where a circulating electron beam does not collide with the target, are produced.

Abstract: A computed tomography imaging system includes an x ray tube (12, 212) that injects an x ray conebeam into an examination region (14). The x ray tube (12, 212) includes a rotating cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) having a target outer surface region. The cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) rotates about a longitudinally aligned cylinder axis (32). Electrons are accelerated toward a selected spot on the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430). Electrostatic or electromagnetic deflectors (64, 68) sweep the selected spot back and forth across the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 330, 430). The imaging system further includes a rotating gantry (22) that revolves the x ray tube (12, 212) about the examination region (14) around a rotation axis that is parallel to the cylindrical axis, and an x-ray detector (16) arranged to detect x rays after said x rays pass through the examination region (14).

Abstract: A rotary piston x-ray tube has a piston formed by a case wall and support such that it can rotate around a rotational axis. The piston contains a cathode and an anode. To improve cooling, the anode of the rotary piston x-ray tube forms a radially-rotating section of the shell wall.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for presenting a sample to a radiation interface of an analysis engine employing x-ray, neutron ray, gamma ray or particle-beam radiation to analyze the sample. A protective barrier, transparent to the radiation, and separating the sample from the engine, is moveable relative to the radiation interface, using a barrier movement system. The barrier in one embodiment is a film movable over a cavity in which the sample placed, and moveable with a system of reels to provide and retrieve a generally continuous supply of film over the cavity. The cavity may form a portion of a sample path through which the sample is moveable. If the sample path is pressurized, the film maintains the pressure during analysis of the sample by the analysis engine.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator with an anode accommodated in a housing such that it can rotate around an axis has a device for determination of the position of an x-ray-emitting focal spot on the anode. To increase the measurement precision, the device includes a collimator aligned on the focal spot.

Abstract: A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents, material emissions from the target, and electric field transients.

Abstract: An x-ray source assembly (2700) and method of operation are provided having enhanced output stability. The assembly includes an anode (2125) having a source spot upon which electrons (2120) impinge and a control system (2715/2720) for controlling position of the anode source spot relative to an output structure. The control system can maintain the anode source spot location relative to the output structure (2710) notwithstanding a change in one or more operating conditions of the x-ray source assembly. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

Abstract: An x-ray tube cathode assembly (28) includes a support arm (36) comprising a first metal. A ceramic insulator (70, 82) has a first metalized surface (72, 86) wherein the metalized surfaces comprise a desired amount of the first metal. A first member of filler material (90) is in contact with the support arm (36) and the first metalized surface (72, 86) of the ceramic insulator (70, 82), the first member of filler material comprising at least a second metal (96a, 96b) wherein a first alloy system (FIG. 5) comprising the first and second metals includes an alloy minimum point percentage composition (P) of the first and second metals having a first alloy system minimum melting point (M) for the alloy minimum point percentage composition that is lower than both of the melting point of the first metal and second metal.

Abstract: An x-ray tube (1) irradiates an electron beam from a cathode (18) to impact a target (36) and emit x-rays. When the x-ray tube (1) operates, the magnet portion (40) is rotated every fixed time period and positioned at a prescribed rotation position. Due to the rotation of the magnet portion (40), the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnets (42) changes and the irradiation position on the target (36) of the electron beam moves. As a result, the electron beam is irradiated at a new position on the target (36) and the same amount of x-ray as the initial performance is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents and material emissions from the target.

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: The invention relates to targets for an X-ray transmission tube (9); to a high efficiency, high excitation energy X-ray transmission tube; to combinations of the targets and high efficiency X-ray transmission tubes; and applications for utilizing such X-ray tubes. The target comprises two or more different thin foils (1) or at least two foils of the same material but different foil thickness on separate areas of a substantially planar substrate which is substantially transparent to X-rays. The target may also comprise at least two different foils (2, 3) layered sequentially one of the other, wherein X-rays are produced when an electron beam impinges the foil closest to the source fo the electron beam; wherein the energy of the electron beam is selectively changed to produce X-rays of a least one preselected energy characteristic of at least one of the foils.

Abstract: Thin film thickness measurement accuracy in x-ray reflectometry systems can be enhanced by minimizing scattering and beam spreading effects. A reflectometry system can include an x-ray tube that can produce an x-ray beam having any cross-sectional shape by scanning an electron beam in an appropriate pattern over a target in an x-ray tube. For example, the electron beam can be scanned over the target in a pattern having a non-unitary aspect ratio, so that the x-ray beam is generated from a source region having a non-unitary aspect ratio. The elongation allows the beam direction dimension to be substantially reduced, without causing overheating of the target. By blocking portions of the x-ray beam focused on the thin film and generating reflectivity curves in increments, the effects of scattering can be minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube which includes a device for at least substantially protecting an object to be examined against the incidence of undesirable X-rays (E) which can be produced notably by the decay of a residual or surplus charge present in a high-voltage circuit after an X-ray exposure. To this end there is provided at least one device (341, 342) for deflecting and/or defocusing the electron beam (E) produced by the residual and/or surplus charge in such a manner that at least it is not incident to a significant extent on a region (22) of an anode (2) wherefrom X-rays excited thereby are directed towards an object to be examined.

Abstract: A rotary piston tube for an x-ray radiator is provided in which the vacuum housing, accommodating an anode and a cathode and displaceable in rotation, comprises a 360° all-around ray exit window. For optimization of the ray exit window, this is produced according to one of the subsequently stated material specifications: a) a high-temperature steel or a high-temperature chromium and/or nickel alloy, listed in the standard EN 10273 and EN 10302, at a wall thickness between 0.1 to 0.4 mm; b) a titanium material at a wall thickness between 0.2 and 2 mm; and c) a ceramic material at a wall thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm.

Abstract: A power source for the operation of a deflection coil for an electron beam of an x-ray tube has a voltage source and a bridge circuit that is connected with each end of the deflection coil, respectively via one power switch in series connection to opposite poles of the voltage source. A current tap taps a coil current signal proportional to the current through the deflection coil. An activation comparator and a deactivation comparator are connected with the current tap to which an activation current signal Imin and a deactivation current signal Imax are supplied. The power switches are connected with the activation comparator and deactivation comparator such that they are closed in the event that the coil current signal undershoots the activation current signal Imin and opened in the event that the coil current signal overshoots the deactivation current signal Imax.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an electron beam tomography (EBT) system includes determining a change in x-ray intensity for detecting elements in each detector array through multiple imaging sweeps during an initial activation of the EBT system, deriving scale factors based on the determined changes in x-ray intensity for the imaging sweeps, and using the scale factors to modify a trajectory and deflection of the electron beam during the multiple imaging sweeps to maintain constant x-ray intensity on each detector array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating x-ray beams are described. In one embodiment, the method includes operating a cathode to operating a cathode to generate an electron beam, directing the electron beam from the cathode through a selectable shaped aperture in an accelerating electrode, and impinging the electron beam at a low angle on an anode surface to form a focal spot on the anode surface.

Abstract: A Laminography system with x-ray source and a detector assembly. The x-ray source uses a narrow, deflected pencil beam to scan to a linear target. An x-ray cone beam detected by the detector assembly is produced where the electron beam strikes the target. The target is a layer of high-emitting material that is partitioned with narrow regions of low-emitting material, where the low flux intensity is sufficiently low to be easily distinguished from the flux intensity of the high-emitting material. The target may be constructed as a discontinuous layer of high-emitting material applied to a substrate of low-emitting material, or as strips of low-emitting material applied to a continuous layer of high-emitting material.

Abstract: In a method and a device for setting the focal spot position of an X-ray tube the focal spot position is regulated as a controlled variable by a closed loop regulation circuit. A deflector deflects the electron beam of the X-ray tube depending on a deflection signal, a deflection closed loop regulator generates the deflection signal depending on a focal spot position signal. A measurement arrangement measures a focal spot position signal. The deflector, the deflection closed loop regulator and the measurement arrangement form a closed loop regulation circuit with the focal spot position as the controlled variable and with the deflection signal as the control parameter.

Abstract: Techniques for determining certain parameters of semiconductor specimens using X-ray spectroscopy are described. The invention can be used to determine parameters such as composition, dimensions, and density of semiconductor specimens. Specifically, an X-ray spectrum simulation algorithm is used to iteratively generate a theoretical X-ray spectrum for a semiconductor specimen having certain parameters. The iterative generation of theoretical X-ray spectrums continues until one of the theoretical X-ray spectrum closely matches the actual X-ray spectrum measured off of the specimen. In an alternative embodiment, this technique of generating theoretical X-ray spectrums can be used in combination with a pre-existing library of X-ray spectral signatures for semiconductor specimens having various parameters.

Abstract: A slotted window collector assembly for an x-ray tube having an anode and a cathode includes a collector having an anode side and a cathode side, which opposes the anode side. The anode side and the cathode side define an internal bore there between for receiving x-rays from the anode. The slotted collector further includes a window side common to both the anode side and the cathode side and having a window coupled thereto, wherein a window aperture is defined extending from the window to the internal bore. Within the collector assembly, a slot is defined intersecting the window aperture and extending trans-axially thereto and beyond a set length. The slot also extends circumferentially with the window such that plastic strain on the window and heat transferred to the window are reduced.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a focal spot position during a scan of a computed tomography (CT) imaging system having a z-axis. The CT imaging system includes a detector array having a plurality of detector elements and an x-ray tube configured to direct an x-ray beam towards the detector through an object to be imaged. The method includes turning on the x-ray tube and reading a z-ratio from the detector. A shift in a position of a focal spot of the x-ray tube is then determined utilizing the read z-ratio. The method further includes using a transfer function to determine a compensating electronic deflection value; and applying the electronic deflection value to the x-ray tube as at least one of a deflection voltage or a deflection current to track the focal spot in the z-axis direction.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for an X-ray tube of the type having a housing having an interior space in which the anode is disposed, and a projection in which the cathode is disposed, the projection being connected to the interior space by a neck region, includes channels for coolant flow formed by an electron beam detector that has a U-shape with legs that straddle the exterior of the neck region. Each leg of the electron beam deflector has a surface that faces an exterior corner of the housing formed by the projection, so as to form, in combination with the corner, a channel for coolant flow therethrough. A nozzle for discharging coolant can be provided at one end of each channel.

Abstract: An imaging system and method combines a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and an x-ray fluoroscopy system such that the two systems have coincident fields of view. X-rays are generated by a stationary anode x-ray tube in which an electron beam is accelerated from a cathode to an anode. In the presence of the static magnetic field of the MRI system, the electron beam is deflected unless it is parallel to the static magnetic field. The x-ray source of the invention contains elements used to steer the electron beam and increase its focusing on the anode. The beam can be steered electrostatically, electromagnetically, or by adding magnetic material to the x-ray source. In the resulting system, MR and x-ray images are acquired without moving the object, which is particularly useful for image-guided medical intervention procedures.

Abstract: An X-ray source has an evacuated housing containing an interior space and a housing projection having a projection interior communicating with the interior space. A cathode is mounted in the projection interior and an anode is mounted in the interior space. Two tubes proceed substantially parallel to each other through the projection and are sealed relative to the projection interior, the two tubes being disposed on opposite sides of an electron beam that proceeds from the cathode to the anode during operation of the X-ray source. An electromagnetic electron beam deflector has a U-shape with two legs that are respectively disposed in the tubes. The electron beam deflector is controllable to generate a magnetic field that deflects the electron beam to set a position of the focus on the anode.