Abstract: An x-ray tube, comprising: a field emitter including an emission surface; an anode; and a focus electrode disposed between the field emitter and the anode; wherein: the focus electrode includes: a first surface that is substantially perpendicular to the field emitter emission surface and nearest to the field emitter; a second surface that is axially nearest to the anode, wherein the field emitter and the anode form an axis; and a third surface that extends between the first surface and the second surface; and a first location on the focus electrode between the first surface and the third surface is further from the anode than a second location on the focus electrode between the third surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling an x-ray source comprises generating an electron beam for striking the target to generate x-rays and steering the electron beam to a desired location on the target using a first and a second steering system distributed along a flight tube. In this way, the beam can be steering to the desired location while also passing through the center of a focusing lens to maintain optimal beam characteristics. Also possible is scanning the electron beam over the target to find a fiducial mark. Then, a desired location can be found as an offset from this mark.

Abstract: An x-ray generating unit includes an x-ray tube that is substantially transparent to x-rays. A cathode is within the x-ray tube and defines a plurality of spaced apart cavities. An anode includes a material that emits x-rays when impacted by electrons. A plurality of filaments is each disposed in a different one of the cavities. Each of the filaments is electrically coupled to each other and to an activating voltage source in parallel. Each of the filaments emits a focused electron beam directed to a different predetermined spot on the anode upon application of a predetermined voltage between the cathode and the anode, thereby causing the anode to generate x-rays. Each of the plurality of spaced apart cavities is aimed at the anode so that each predetermined spot on the anode is separated from each other spot by a gap that is not impacted by an electron beam.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a cathode of an X-ray imaging system. A method for fabricating the cathode comprises machining a plurality of focusing features on a focusing element and welding the focusing element to a base assembly.

Abstract: One or more example embodiments relates to a method for calibrating an X-ray emitter having a cathode, an anode and a coil, wherein the coil is connected to a conductor arrangement through which an electrical function current is guided through the coil. The method comprises measuring an induction current that is induced in the coil at the conductor arrangement of the coil; calculating a compensation current for an effecting coil of the X-ray emitter based on the measured induction current, the effecting coil configured to change an electron beam between the cathode and the anode, wherein the compensation current is calculated such that a magnetic field that induces the induction current during the measuring is compensated using a magnetic field that is produced by the compensation current in the effecting coil; and applying the compensation current in the effecting coil.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an X-ray tube cathode focusing element. In one example, a focusing element is configured with three electron emission filaments, an integrated edge focusing, and a bias voltage. The integrated edge focusing may include a continuous single architecture with rounded edges, and a voltage of the focusing element may be negatively biased relative to a voltage of the electron emission filaments.

Abstract: A planar filament 11f can include multiple materials to increase electron emission in desired directions and to suppress electron emission in undesired directions. The filament 11f can include a core-material CM between a top-material TM and a bottom-material BM. The top-material TM can have a lowest work function WFt; the bottom-material BM can have a highest work function WFb; and the core-material CM can have an intermediate work function WFc (WFt<WFc<WFb). A width Wt of the filament 11f at a top-side 31t can be greater than its width Wb at a bottom-side 31b (Wt>Wb). This shape makes it easier to coat the edges 31e with the bottom-material BM, because the edges 31e tilt toward and partially face the sputter target. This shape also helps direct more electrons to a center of the target 14, and reduce electron emission in undesired directions.

Abstract: A component part in a vacuum area of an X-ray tube with an opening through which an electron beam is guided. The component part includes a base body made of a first material, wherein the first material is a metal. Arranged on a surface forming the opening is a second material having an atomic number which is smaller than an atomic number of the first material. A target support is attached to an end of the component part. The target support supports a target which is aligned with a lens diaphragm formed at the end of the component part. The target support has a base body made of a first material which is a metal, and a second material formed on a surface of the base body that is selectively exposed to the electron beam and which extends between the target and the lens diaphragm.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an electron gun unit, a target that generates X-rays, and a vacuum housing unit. The vacuum housing unit has a metal housing unit for supporting the target and a bulb unit formed of an insulating material and connected to the metal housing unit. The electron gun unit has a focusing electrode portion at an end portion on an emission side of the electrons, the focusing electrode portion having a tubular shape for focusing the emitted electrons. In the electron gun unit, at least a part of the focusing electrode portion is supported by the bulb unit so as to be located in the metal housing unit. When viewed from an X-ray generation position on the target, the focusing electrode portion blocks a line of sight from the X-ray generation position to the bulb unit.

Abstract: An X-ray generating apparatus includes an electron gun, a target configured to generate X-rays by being irradiated with an electron beam emitted from the electron gun, and a controller configured to control a first mode for thinning the target by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a first current range and a second mode for generating X-rays by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a second current range. The first current range has a lower limit larger than an upper limit of the second current range.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray tube which includes a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a target disposed in a lower portion of the second electrode, an emitter on the first electrode, a third electrode which is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes an opening at a position perpendicularly corresponding to the emitter, and a spacer provided on the third electrode and surrounding the second electrode. The spacer includes a first section located adjacent to the third electrode and a second section disposed on the first section. The spacer includes a ceramic insulator and conductive dopants dispersed within the ceramic insulator. A concentration of the conductive dopants in the first section of the spacer is greater than a concentration of the conductive dopants in the second section. The third electrode is in contact with the first section of the spacer.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating a treatment site within or adjacent to a blood vessel includes a power source, a light guide and a plasma target. In various embodiments, the light guide receives power from the power source. The light guide has a distal tip, and the light guide emits light energy in a direction away from the distal tip. The plasma target is spaced apart from the distal tip of the light guide by a target gap distance. The plasma target is configured to receive light energy from the light guide so that a plasma bubble is generated at the plasma target. The power source can be a laser and the light guide can be an optical fiber. In certain embodiments, the catheter system can also an inflatable balloon that encircles the distal tip of the light guide. The plasma target can be positioned within the inflatable balloon. The target gap distance can be greater than 1 ?m. The plasma target can have a target face that receives the light energy from the light guide.

Abstract: An X-ray source including a liquid target source configured to provide a liquid target in an interaction region of the X-ray source, an electron source adapted to provide an electron beam directed towards the interaction region, such that the electron beam interacts with the liquid target to generate X-ray radiation, and an electron collector arranged at a distance downstream of the interaction region, as seen along a travel direction of the electron beam. The electron collector includes an impact portion configured to absorb electrons of the electron beam impinging thereon, and the impact portion is arranged so as to be oblique with respect to the travel direction of the electron beam at the impact portion.

Abstract: An emitter support structure for a field emission device, the emitter support structure includes: a support portion disposed to be moved in a direction of both ends of a vacuum chamber of the field emission device, and configured to support an emitter of the field emission device; a protruding portion formed at one end portion of the support portion which confronts a target of the field emission device, and to which the emitter is inserted and mounted; a slit formed in a circumference wall portion of the protruding portion in a height direction of the circumference wall portion; and a redundant brazing material groove formed in an outside of the protruding portion along the circumference wall portion.

Abstract: Provided are a scanning-type X-ray source and an imaging system therefor. The scanning-type X-ray source comprises a vacuum cavity (1), wherein a cathode (2) and a plurality of anode target structures (3) are arranged in the vacuum cavity (1); a gate electrode (4) is arranged in a position, close to the cathode (2), in the vacuum cavity (1); a focusing electrode (5) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), in the vacuum cavity (1); and a deflection coil (6) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), at the outer periphery of the vacuum cavity (1). The scanning-type X-ray source generates electron beams by using cathode (2), controls the powering-on/off of the electron beams by the gate electrode (4), and the deflection coil (6) controls the direction of motion of the electron beams, so as to complete the switching between multiple focuses.

Abstract: A system for generating X-ray beams from a liquid target includes a vacuum chamber, a diamond window assembly, an electron source, a target material flow system, and an X-ray detector/imager. An electron beam from the electron source travels through the diamond window assembly and into a dynamic target material of the flow system. Preferably, the dynamic target material is lead bismuth eutectic in a liquid state. Upon colliding with the dynamic target material, X-rays are generated. The generated X-rays exit through an X-ray exit window to be captured by the X-ray detector/imager. Since the dynamic target material is constantly in fluid motion within a pipeline of the flow system, the electron beam always has a new target area which is at a controlled operational temperature and thus, prevents overheating issues. By providing a small focus area for the electron beams, the overall imaging resolution of the X-rays is also improved.

Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging. The imaging system comprises an electron source configured to generate an electron beam along a first direction; an X-ray source comprising a thin film anode configured to receive the electron beam at an electron beam spot on the thin film anode, and to emit an X-ray beam substantially along the first direction from a portion of the thin film anode proximate the electron beam spot, such that the X-ray beam passes through the sample specimen. The imaging apparatus further comprises an X-ray detector configured to receive the X-ray beam that passes through the sample specimen. Some embodiments are directed to an electron source that is an electron column of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and is configured to focus the electron beam at the electron beam spot.

Abstract: An x-ray generating unit includes an x-ray tube that is substantially transparent to x-rays and that defines a vacuum therein. A cathode is disposed within the x-ray tube and defines a plurality of spaced apart cavities. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode and includes a material that emits x-rays when impacted by electrons. A plurality of filaments is each disposed in a different one of the cavities defined by the cathode and each is electrically coupled to the cathode. Each filament emits a focused electron beam directed to a different predetermined spot on the anode upon application of a predetermined voltage between the cathode and the anode, thereby causing the anode to generate x-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray tube of an embodiment includes an anode; and an electron emission device. In an embodiment, the electron emission device includes at least one electron emitter including at least one emission surface and at least one barrier grid, the at least one barrier grid being spaced apart from the at least one emission surface of the electron emitter and includes a definable number of individually controllable grid segments. According to an embodiment, at least one individually definable grid voltage is applicable to each of the grid segments. In a simple manner, an electron-emission device of an embodiment permits the image quality to be adjusted with minimal anode loading.

Abstract: A source for generating ionizing radiation and in particular x-rays, to an assembly includes a plurality of sources and to a process for producing the source. The source comprises: a vacuum chamber; a cathode that is able to emit an electron beam into the chamber; an anode that receives the electron beam and that comprises a target that is able to generate ionizing radiation from the energy received from the electron beam; an electrode that is placed in the vicinity of the cathode and that allows the electron beam to be focused; a stopper ensuring the seal tightness of the vacuum chamber; and a mechanical part that is made of dielectric and that forms a portion of the vacuum chamber; and the stopper is fastened to the mechanical part by means of a conductive brazing film that is used to electrically connect the electrode.

Abstract: A solid X-ray target for generating X-ray radiation is disclosed. The X-ray target includes at least one material selected from a list including trivalent elements; and at least one material selected from a list including pentavalent elements, wherein a first one of the materials is capable of generating the X-ray radiation upon interaction with an electron beam, and a second one of the materials forms a compound with the first one of the materials. An X-ray source including such an X-ray target and an electron source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating X-ray radiation, the method including providing a liquid target in a chamber, directing an electron beam towards the liquid target such that the electron beam interacts with the liquid target to generated X-ray radiation, estimating a number of particles produced from the interaction between the electron beam and the liquid target by measuring a number of positively charged particles in the chamber and eliminating a contribution from scattered electrons to the estimated number of particles, and controlling the electron beam, and/or a temperature in a region of the liquid target in which the electron beam interacts with the target, such that the estimated number of particles is below a predetermined limit. Also, a corresponding X-ray source.

Abstract: An electron beam generator includes a cathode having a distal end portion emitting an electron beam, a first electrode accommodating the distal end portion, and a second electrode surrounding the first electrode when viewed from a direction along an emission axis of the electron beam. The first electrode has a first side wall surrounding the distal end portion. The second electrode has a second side wall separated from the first side wall and surrounding the first side wall. The first side wall is provided with a first opening portion allowing a first space surrounded by the first side wall and a second space between the first side wall and the second side wall to communicate with each other. The second electrode is provided with a second opening portion opening in the direction along the emission axis such that the second space and an external space communicate with each other.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes: an envelope that is a case; a cathode assembly that emits electrons in the envelope; and an anode including a first member of which at least a portion extends to the outside of the envelope, a second member that is provided in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the first member, comes into contact with the first member, and has a higher X-ray shielding performance than the first member, and a target that receives the electrons emitted from the cathode assembly and generates X-rays.

Abstract: An object radiography apparatus includes a radiation source configured to generate and emit an electromagnetic radiation for radiographing an object, a detector device, which is arranged in such a way that the emitted electromagnetic radiation which passes at least partly through the object impinges at least proportionally on the detector device, and which is configured to generate a radiograph of the object. In addition to the detector device, a sensor arrangement is provided, which is configured to determine a radiation characteristic variable assigned to the radiation source. An evaluation unit is configured to determine or to receive a quality parameter of the detected radiograph, to evaluate the radiation characteristic variable and to make a statement about a state of the detector device and/or of the radiation source on the basis of the quality parameter and the radiation characteristic variable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in part, to a scanning sufficiency apparatus that computes whether a handheld scanning device has scanned a volume for a sufficiently long time for there to be detections and then indicate to the user that the time is sufficient in 3-D rendered voxels. Also described is a hand held medical navigation apparatus with system and methods to map targets inside a patient's body.

Abstract: An X-ray generation tube including a magnetic deflection portion configured to deflect an electron beam to reduce lines of magnetic force extending to the outside of the tube, where a subject is arranged, by placement of a magnetic shielding portion including a portion that is closer to an anode than the magnetic deflection portion in a tube axial direction and that is closer to the tube center axis than the magnetic deflection portion in a tube radial direction.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a plurality of short RF pulses. The system and method comprises a first circuit comprising a first power supply and a plurality of first networks for generating a first output signal in a form of a high voltage pedestal pulse supplied to a common node, and a second circuit comprising a second power supply and a plurality of second networks for generating a second output signal in a form of a high voltage short pulse which is supplied to the common node. The pedestal pulse passes through a blocking inductor before being combined with the short pulse at the common node, and the short pulse is stacked on top of the pedestal pulse to form a combined high voltage pulse. A low frequency magnetron is coupled to the common node for receiving the stacked combined high voltage pulse and generating a short RF pulse.

Abstract: An X-ray generator capable of reliably reducing an X-ray focal spot size without depending on the focal spot size of an electron beam on a target. Providing, within the irradiation range of an electron beam B of a target laminated structure 3 comprising a target 2 and an X-ray irradiation window 1, a low X-ray absorptivity region 3a of localized low X-ray absorptivity in the irradiation direction of the electron beam B results in the suppression of emission to the outside of X-rays from among the X-rays generated as a result of the irradiation of the electron beam B onto the target 2 that are from regions other than the low X-ray absorptivity region 3a, and an X-ray focal spot of a size corresponding to the size of the low X-ray absorptivity region 3a is obtained regardless of the size of the irradiation region of the electron beam B.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus includes a source configured to generate electrons, a target configured to produce x-rays upon impingement of electrons, and a detector configured to detect electrons penetrating the target or reflected from the incident face of the target, indicative of damage to the target.

Abstract: An image capture device and an x-ray emitting device are introduced comprising an electron receiving construct and an electron emitting construct separated by a spacer. The electron receiving construct comprises a faceplate, an anode and an inward facing photoconductor. The electron emitting construct comprises: a backplate; a substrate; a cathode; a plurality of field emission type electron sources arranged in an array; a stratified resistive layer between the field emission type electron source and the cathode; a gate electrode; a focus structure and a gate electrode support structure configured to support the gate electrode at a required cathode-gate spacing from the cathode.

Abstract: Heat dissipation of a target is enhanced in a transmissive X-ray generating apparatus where an anode member constitutes a part of a container. An anode member configured to hold a target is divided into an outer anode member, which is configured to hold the target and is connected to a container, and an inner anode member, which is joined to an insulating tube and is closer to an electron emitting portion than the outer anode member is. The outer circumferential surface of the inner anode member is joined to the outer anode member via a joining member. Heat generated by the electron emitting portion is dissipated mainly from the inner anode member via the insulating tube, or directly, to an insulating liquid.

Abstract: Heat dissipation of a target is enhanced in a transmissive X-ray generating apparatus where an anode member constitutes a part of a container. An anode member configured to hold a target is divided into an outer anode member, which is configured to hold the target and is connected to a container, and an inner anode member, which is joined to an insulating tube and is closer to an electron emitting portion than the outer anode member is. The outer circumferential surface of the inner anode member is joined to the outer anode member via a joining member. Heat generated by the electron emitting portion is dissipated mainly from the inner anode member via the insulating tube, or directly, to an insulating liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray optics, one or more coils and control circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to direct an electron beam onto an anode so as to emit an X-ray beam. The X-ray optics which configured to receive the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray tube and to direct the X-ray beam onto a target. The coils are configured to steer the electron beam in the X-ray tube using electrical currents flowing through the coils. The control circuitry is configured to compensate for misalignment between the X-ray tube and the X-ray optics by analyzing the X-ray beam output by the X-ray optics, and setting the electrical currents based on the analyzed X-ray beam.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grid-controlled X-ray source, a space X-ray communication system and a space X-ray communication method.

Abstract: An X-ray radiography system for differential phase contrast imaging of an object under investigation by phase-stepping is provided. The X-ray radiography has an X-ray emitter for generating a beam path of quasi-coherent X-ray radiation, an X-ray image detector with pixels arranged in a matrix, and a diffraction or phase grating, in which the X-ray emitter has an X-ray tube with a cathode and an anode. The X-ray tube is constructed in such a way that an electron ray beam originating from the cathode is associated with focusing electronics which produce, from electrons which are incident on an anode, at least one linear-shaped electron fan beam.

Abstract: A radiation focal position detecting method for detecting a positional displacement of a focal point of a radiation source in a radiation tomographic imaging apparatus is provided. The method includes providing a radiation absorber that covers parts of first and second detecting element regions, the parts lying on mutually adjoining sides of the first and second detecting element regions in a radiation detector including a plurality of detecting elements arranged in channel and slice directions, and specifying, based on intensities of radiation detected by the detecting elements in the first and second detecting element regions, a position of the focal point or an amount of movement of the focal point from a reference position.

Abstract: A radiation generating tube 1 includes: an electron emitting source 3; a target 9 spaced from the electron emitting source 3, for generating radiation 11 responsive to irradiation with an electron beam from the electron emitting source 3; and a tubular shielding member 10 having an electron passing hole 8, wherein the electron passing hole 8 has an electron incident aperture at one end thereof and has a target supporting surface 9b supporting the target 9 at the other end thereof, wherein the target supporting surface 9b is connected through a brazing filler 14 to a periphery of a surface of the target at a side on which the electron is incident, and an opening size of the other end of the electron passing hole 8 is larger than an opening size of the electron incident aperture at the one end thereof.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a backscatter electron trap to prevent extra focal radiation caused by backscattered electrons from the focal spot from passing through the beam exit window to an exterior of the x-ray tube. The backscatter electron trap has a surface that faces the x-ray beam in the x-ray tube. No portion of that surface is visible both from an arbitrary point in the x-ray beam outside of the x-ray tube and from an arbitrary point at the focal spot.

Abstract: The present invention is a shielded anode having an anode with a surface facing an electron beam and a shield configured to encompass the anode surface. The shield has at least one aperture and an internal surface facing the anode surface. The shield internal surface and anode surface are separated by a gap in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The shield of the present invention is fabricated from a material, such as graphite, that is substantially transmissive to X-ray photons.

Abstract: The X-ray generating apparatus 100 applies an electron beam e1 onto a target 150 to generate X-rays x1, and includes a permanent magnet lens 120 configured to focus the electron beam e1, a correction coil 130 provided on a side of the electron beam e1 with respect to the permanent magnet lens 120 and configured to correct a focus position formed by the permanent magnet lens 120 in a traveling direction of the electron beam e1, and a target 150 onto which the focused electron beam is applied. Accordingly, the apparatus configuration can be extremely compact and lightweight in comparison with general apparatuses. Furthermore, by the correction coil 130, the intensity of the magnetic field can be finely adjusted and the focus position in the traveling direction of the electron beam e1 can be finely adjusted.

Abstract: Issues related to maintaining the size of a focal spot on the target material of an X-ray source are addressed by linking the currents used in a magnetic focusing system employed in the X-ray source. The size of the focal spot on the target is less sensitive to current changes applied to the magnetic focusing system due to this linkage.

Abstract: A multi-source computed tomography system has a first x-ray source and a second x-ray source that are respectively optimized for different imaging procedures and can be used simultaneously in the multi-source CT system. The first x-ray source can be optimized for higher power short-term operation and the second x-ray source can be optimized for lower power, longer term operation.

Abstract: An x-ray source is described. During operation of the x-ray source, an electron source emits a beam of electrons. This beam of electrons is focused to a spot on a target by a magnetic focusing lens. In particular, the magnetic focusing lens includes an immersion lens in which a peak in a magnitude of an associated magnetic field occurs proximate to a plane of the target. Moreover, in response to receiving the beam of focused electrons, the target provides a transmission source of x-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube includes a cathode electrode which is disposed in one end of a vacuum container and includes an emitter emitting an electron; a gate electrode which is disposed in the vacuum container to be adjacent to the cathode electrode; an anode electrode which is disposed in the vacuum container of the other end of a direction in which the vacuum container extends and inclines with respect to the cathode electrode; and a focusing electrode which is disposed in the vacuum container along an inner circumference surface of the vacuum container between the gate electrode and the anode electrode. The focusing electrode has an opening of which a plan cross section has a maximum width and a minimum width different from each other.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an anode target, a cathode including a filament and a convergence electrode which includes a groove portion, and an envelope. The groove portion includes a pair of first bottom surfaces which are located in the same plane as the filament and between which the filament is interposed in a width direction of the groove portion, and a pair of second bottom surfaces between which the filament and the pair of first bottom surfaces are interposed in a length direction of the groove portion and which are located closer to an opening of the groove portion than the pair of first bottom surfaces.

Abstract: We disclose a compact source for high brightness x-ray generation. The higher brightness is achieved through electron beam bombardment of multiple regions aligned with each other to achieve a linear accumulation of x-rays. This may be achieved by aligning discrete x-ray sources, or through the use of novel x-ray targets that comprise a number of microstructures of x-ray generating materials fabricated in close thermal contact with a substrate with high thermal conductivity. This allows heat to be more efficiently drawn out of the x-ray generating material, and in turn allows bombardment of the x-ray generating material with higher electron density and/or higher energy electrons, leading to greater x-ray brightness. The orientation of the microstructures allows the use of an on-axis collection angle, allowing the accumulation of x-rays from several microstructures to be aligned to appear to have a single origin, also known as “zero-angle” x-ray emission.

Abstract: Issues related to maintaining the size of a focal spot on the target material of an X-ray source are addressed by linking the currents used in a magnetic focusing system employed in the X-ray source. The size of the focal spot on the target is less sensitive to current changes applied to the magnetic focusing system due to this linkage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an image capture device comprising an electron receiving construct and an electron emitting construct, and further comprising an inner gap providing an unobstructed space between the electron emitting construct and the electron receiving construct. The disclosure further relates to an x-ray emitting device comprising an x-ray emitting construct and an electron emitting construct, said x-ray emitting construct comprising an anode, the anode being an x-ray target, wherein the x-ray emitting device may comprise an inner gap providing an unobstructed space between the electron emitting construct and the x-ray emitting construct. The disclosure further relates to an x-ray imaging system comprising an image capture device and an x-ray emitting device.