Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray source (100) with an electron-beam-generator (120) for generating electron beams (B, B?) that converge towards a target (110). Thus the spatial distribution of X-ray focal spots (T, T?) on the target (110) can be made denser than the distribution of electron sources (121), wherein the latter is usually dictated by hardware limitations. The electron-beam-generator (120) may particularly comprise a curved emitter device (140) with a matrix of CNT based electron emitters (141) and an associated electrode device (130).

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a cathode, generating an electron beam, and an ion-deflecting and collecting setup (IDC), consisting of a single pair of electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a positive supply and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential. Further, the invention relates to a method of voltage supplying of a deflecting and collecting setup (IDC) consisting of a single pair of electrode, wherein the first electrode has a positive voltage potential and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential.

Abstract: The invention relates to X-ray analytical instruments (RX), more precisely a device for providing a high energy X-ray beam, typically above 4 keV, for X-ray analysis applications. The device comprises an X-ray tube with a turning anode and an X-ray lens for shaping the beam.

Abstract: A cathode assembly for an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, a cathode assembly includes a cathode head, a filament, and first and second focusing tabs. The cathode head defines a recess having first and second open ends, a slot within the recess, and first and second tab stops within the recess. The filament is positioned within the slot. The first focusing tab is positioned in the first open end of the recess abutting the first tab stop. The second focusing tab is positioned in the second open end of the recess abutting the second tab stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for magnetic control of an electron beam includes a control circuit having a first low voltage source and a second low voltage source. The control circuit also includes a first switching device coupled in series with the first low voltage source and configured to create a first current path with the first low voltage source when in a closed position and a second switching device coupled in series with the second low voltage source and configured to create a second current path with the second low voltage source when in a closed position. The control circuit further includes a capacitor coupled in parallel with an electron beam manipulation coil and positioned along the first and second current paths and a current source circuit electrically coupled to the electron beam manipulation coil and constructed to generate an offset current in the first and second current paths.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a cathode and a anode, and a catching device that captures backscattered electrons from the anode in the operating state of the x-ray tube. The catching device minimizes unwanted energy generation by the backscattered electrons in the catching device and the anode while maintaining a high quality of the focus by the catching device being electrically insulated with respect to the anode and the cathode and being placed at an electrical potential having a value between the value of the electrical potential of the anode and the value of the electrical potential of the cathode, and the amount of the difference between the potential of the catching device and the potential of the anode is in the range from 1% to 40% of the amount of the difference between the potential of the cathode and the potential of the anode.

Abstract: A betatron, especially in X-ray testing apparatus is provided, that includes a rotationally symmetrical inner yoke having two interspaced parts, an outer yoke connecting the two inner yoke parts, at least one main field coil, a toroidal betatron tube arranged between the opposing front sides of the inner yoke parts, and at least one contraction and expansion coil. An individual CE coil is respectively arranged between the front side of the inner yoke part and the betatron tube, and the radius of the CE coil is essentially the same as the nominal orbital radius of the electrons in the betatron tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The system creates an electron beam that strikes an X-ray generation source where the X-ray generation source is located proximate to the proton beam path. By generating the X-rays near the proton beam path, an X-ray path that is essentially the proton beam path is created. Using the generated X-rays, the system collects X-ray images of a localized body tissue region about a cancerous tumor. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an X-ray tube of the rotary-anode type which comprises at least one temporarily negatively biased auxiliary grid electrode (119) with an aperture through which an electron beam (115) emitted by a tube cathode's thermoionic electron emitter (111) can pass. As an alternative thereto, the auxiliary grid electrode (119) may also be positively biased so as to enhance electron emission from a thermoionic electron emitter (111). The auxiliary grid electrode may thereby be connected to a supply voltage UAUX of a controllable voltage supply unit by means of a feedthrough cable (120) serving as a feeding line for providing the main control grid (112) with a grid supply voltage UG.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes a detector positioned to receive x-rays, and an x-ray tube coupled to a mount structure. The x-ray tube is configured to generate x-rays toward the detector and includes a target, a cathode cup, an emitter attached to the cathode cup and configured to emit a beam of electrons toward the target, the emitter having a length and a width, and a one-dimensional grid positioned between the emitter and the target and attached to the cathode cup at one or more attachment points. The one-dimensional grid includes a plurality of rungs that each extend in a direction of the width of the emitter, and the plurality of rungs are configured to expand and contract relative to the one or more attachment points without substantial distortion with respect to the emitter.

Abstract: An x-ray generation device and a cathode thereof are provided. The x-ray generation device comprises the cathode, a focusing device, an anode target, and a glass container. The cathode comprises a container and an electron beam generator. The container has a base and a side wall surrounding the base, and both of them define a trench. The electron beam generator comprises at least one metal unit, each of the at least one metal unit is chemical-vapor-deposited a carbon layer, and each of the at least one metal unit is disposed on a bottom of the trench. The at least one metal unit is electrically connected to an outer metal unit of the x-ray generation device. The glass container contains the cathode, the focusing device, and the anode target in sequence. Each of the at least one carbon layer faces the anode target. The glass container has a valve for evacuating and a window for emitting an x-ray.

Abstract: A betatron is provided for producing pulses of accelerated electrons, particularly in an x-ray testing device, comprising at least one main field coil, one expansion coil for transferring the accelerated electrons to a target, and one electronic control system of the expansion coil for applying an expansion pulse to the expansion coil. The electronic control system of the expansion coil is designed such that the time of the expansion pulse for adjusting the final energy of the electrons is variable relative to the main field.

Abstract: A multiple wavelength x-ray source includes a multi-thickness target, having at least a first and a second thickness. The first thickness can substantially circumscribe the second thickness. An electron beam can be narrowed to impinge primarily upon second thickness or expanded to impinge primarily upon the first thickness while maintaining a constant direction of the beam. This invention allows the target thickness to be optimized for the desired output wavelength without the need to redirect or realign the x-rays towards the target.

Abstract: A multiple wavelength x-ray source includes a multi-thickness target, having at least a first and a second thickness. The first thickness can substantially circumscribe the second thickness. An electron beam can be narrowed to impinge primarily upon second thickness or expanded to impinge primarily upon the first thickness while maintaining a constant direction of the beam. This invention allows the target thickness to be optimized for the desired output wavelength without the need to redirect or realign the x-rays towards the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying an aspect ratio of an electron beam to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode is disclosed. The apparatus includes an emitter element configured to generate an electron beam having a first aspect ratio shape and an extraction electrode positioned adjacent to the emitter element to extract the electron beam out therefrom, the extraction electrode including an opening therethrough. The apparatus also includes at least one shaping electrode positioned to receive the electron beam after passing through the extraction electrode, the shaping electrode defining a non-circular aperture therein and being configured to provide at least one of shaping and focusing of the electron beam to have a second aspect ratio shape different from the first aspect ratio shape so as to form a focal spot having a desired size and aspect ratio on a target anode.

Abstract: An injector for an X-ray tube is presented. The injector includes an emitter to emit an electron beam, at least one focusing electrode disposed around the emitter, wherein the at least one focusing electrode focuses the electron beam and at least one extraction electrode maintained at a positive bias voltage with respect to the emitter, wherein the at least one extraction electrode controls an intensity of the electron beam.

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

Abstract: An indirectly heated cathode assembly is presented. The indirectly heated cathode assembly includes at least one electron source for generating a first electron beam, an emitter for producing a second electron beam when heated by the first electron beam and a focusing electrode for controlling, and directing the first electron beam towards the emitter.

Abstract: Methods are provided through which X-ray tube power de-rating can be reduced during dynamic focal spot deflection. In one embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, defocusing the electron beam on the anode and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode. In another embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, inhibiting the electron beam and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode. In another embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, steering the electron beam away from a nominal focal spot radius on the anode and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode.

Abstract: The system uses an X-ray imaging system having an elongated lifetime. Further, the system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a charged particle beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The system creates an electron beam that strikes an X-ray generation source located proximate to the charged particle beam path. By generating the X-rays near the charged particle beam path, an X-ray path running collinear, in parallel with, and/or substantially in contact with the charged particle beam path is created. The system then collects X-ray images of localized body tissue region about a cancerous tumor. Since, the X-ray path is essentially the charged particle beam path, the generated image is usable for precisely target the tumor with a charged particle beam.

Abstract: A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.

Abstract: A system includes a beam filter positioning device including a plate configured to support one or more beam filters, and one or more axes operable to move the plate relative to a beam line. A control mechanism is coupled to the one or more axes for controlling the movement of the axes and configured to automatically adjust the position of at least one of the one or more beam filters relative to the beam line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube comprises at least one thermionic cathode configured to generate an electron beam, a target assembly configured to generate X-rays when impinged with the electron beam emitted from the thermionic cathode, a high voltage supply unit for establishing an output voltage across the thermionic cathode and the target assembly for establishing an accelerating electric field between the thermionic cathode and the target assembly and a mesh grid disposed between the thermionic cathode and the target assembly, the mesh grid configured to operate at a voltage so as to lower the electric field applied at the surface of the thermionic cathode. Further, the voltage at the mesh grid is negatively biased with respect to the voltage at the thermionic cathode.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes an emitter wire enclosed in a suppressor. An extraction grid comprises a number of parallel wires extending perpendicular to the emitter wire, and a focusing grid comprises a number of wires parallel to the grid wires and spaced apart at equal spacing to the grid wires. The grid wire are connected by means of switches to a positive extracting potential or a negative inhibiting potential, and the switches are controlled so that at any one time a pair of adjacent grid wires are connected together to form an extracting pair, which produce an electron beam. The position of the beam is moved by switching different pairs of grid wires to the extracting potential.

Abstract: A device to control an electron beam for the generation of x-ray radiation, has an electron emitter to generate an electron beam, to which emitter an emitter voltage can be applied, a diaphragm, at least two control elements associated with the diaphragm to affect the electron beam, and switching arrangement with which at least two different electrical voltages can be applied to the at least two control elements. The same electrical voltage is applied to each of the at least two control elements. Upon switching the voltage, an electrical circuit that delays the setting of the respective voltage at the one control element is associated with the connection line of the one control element with the switching arrangement to switch over the voltage. The invention moreover concerns an operating method for the device and an x-ray tube provided with the device.

Abstract: An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis system for analysing an insulating sample 20, and a method of XPS analysis. The system comprises an X-ray generating means 30 having an exit opening 32 and being arranged to generate primary X-rays 46,56 which pass out of the exit opening in a sample direction towards a sample surface 22 for irradiation thereof. It has been found that the X-ray generating means in use additionally generates unwanted electrons 258 which may pass out of the exit opening substantially in the sample direction and cause undesirable sample charging effects. The system further comprises an electron deflection field generating means 380,480,580 arranged to generate a deflection field upstream of the sample surface. The deflection field is configured to deflect the unwanted electrons away from the sample direction, such that the unwanted electrons are prevented from reaching the sample surface.

Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly includes a vacuum chamber, a beam source, and a target. The target has an active section and an inactive section. The active section is adapted to generate x-rays when the beam impinges on the x-ray producing section. The electron beam production and control assembly also includes a focusing unit positioned along the chamber at a location intermediate the rearward end and the forward end. The focusing unit directs the beam towards the target in a converging manner to impinge on the target. The focusing unit sweeps the beam along a scanning path over the active section of the target. The focusing unit moves the beam to a retrace path on the inactive section of the target between sweeps of the scanning path to maintain ion accumulation in the beam between sweeps over the active section.

Abstract: A method for controlling emission of a beam of electrons in an X-ray imaging tube. The X-ray imaging tube has an anode and a cathode. The method comprises a step in which at least one emission device included in the cathode emits an accelerated incident beam of electrons onto an impact focal spot on the anode to generate X-rays. An emission device is associated firstly with an assembly of polarizing plates and secondly with a focusing cup. An electric generator simultaneously applies a beam focusing voltage to the assembly and/or to the cup to control a characteristic dimension of the focal spot, and a cut-off voltage to the cup to control the emission of the beam by the device. The invention also concerns a corresponding cathode, tube and imaging system.

Abstract: An electron beam corresponding to radiation intensity data is output from an electron source by supplying high energy pulses p-1 through p-n, which correspond to the radiation intensity data of a radiation field, to the electron source from a power source 108. This electron beam is deflected so as to be incident in parallel to the medial axis of a plurality of X-ray target tubes 104-1 through 104-n by a deflection means comprising electromagnets, such that X-ray beams x-1 through x-n, which are produced when the electron beam collides with an inner wall of an X-ray target tube are irradiated with a desired intensity.

Abstract: In an X-ray generator which includes an electron beam generating unit which has a plurality of electron emitters and generates an electron beam corresponding to driven electron emitters, and a target electrode which generates X-rays with the irradiation position of an electron beam generated by the electron beam generating unit being an X-ray focus, the X-ray focus shape formed by a set of X-ray focuses on the target electrode is controlled by individually controlling driving of the plurality of electron emitters.

Abstract: A radiation source for a radiation-based image acquisition device has an electron emitter to generate a focal spot for x-ray generation at a rotating anode. An arrangement is provided to generate an asymmetrical power input profile of the focal spot parallel to the movement direction of the rotating anode.

Abstract: It is described an electron optical arrangement, a X-ray emitting device and a method of creating an electron beam. An electron optical apparatus (1) comprises the following components along an optical axis (25): a cathode with an emitter (3) having a substantially planar surface (9) for emitting electrons; an anode (11) for accelerating the emitted electrons in a direction essentially along the optical axis (25); a first magnetic quadrupole lens (19) for deflecting the accelerated electrons and having a first yoke (41); a second magnetic quadrupole lens (21) for further deflecting the accelerated electrons and having a second yoke (51); and a magnetic dipole lens (23) for further deflecting the accelerated electrons.

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

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment an x-ray tube comprises a cathode, rotable disc anode, and a focal spot modulating unit, wherein the cathode is adapted to emit an electron beam, and wherein the focal spot modulating unit is adapted to modulate the electron beam in such a way that an intensity distribution of the electron beam on a focal spot on the anode is asymmetric such that the intensity of the electron beam on the focal spot is higher at the front of the focal spot with respect to the rotation direction.

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: Micro-focus field emission x-ray sources and related methods are provided. A micro-focus field emission x-ray source can include a field emission cathode including a film with a layer of electron field emitting materials patterned on a conducting surface. Further, the x-ray source can include a gate electrode for extracting field emitted electrons from the cathode when a bias electrical field is applied between the gate electrode and the cathode. The x-ray source can also include an anode. Further, the x-ray source can include an electrostatic focusing unit between the gate electrode and anode. The electrostatic focusing unit can include multiple focusing electrodes that are electrically separated from each other. Each of the electrodes can have an independently adjustable electrical potential. A controller can be configured to adjust at least one of the electrical potentials of the focusing electrodes and to adjust a size of the cathode.

Abstract: A flash radiography diode includes a cathode and an anode. The cathode includes a frustum member with a bore extending through the frustum member. The anode is a tapered anode made of an electrically conductive material and oriented toward the cathode. The anode and the cathode are housed in a chamber with a gap between the anode and the cathode. The cathode is configured to emit electrons to the tapered anode, which electrons strike the anode and create an anode plasma. The anode plasma creates X rays which propagate from the anode.

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: A system and method for limiting emittance growth in an electron beam is disclosed. The system includes an emitter element configured to generate an electron beam and an extraction electrode positioned adjacent to the emitter element to extract the electron beam out therefrom, the extraction electrode including an opening therethrough. The system also includes a meshed grid disposed in the opening of the extraction electrode to enhance intensity and uniformity of an electric field at a surface of the emitter element and an emittance compensation electrode (ECE) positioned adjacent to the meshed grid on the side of the meshed grid opposite that of the emitter element and configured to control emittance growth of the electron beam.

Abstract: Conventionally, the magnetic field generator was arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the electron beam. The magnetic field generator of this invention is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the electron beam. Specifically, the magnetic field generator is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the electron beam within the range in the cathode side from the focused and deflected electron beam. Inclination up to the anode side opposite to the cathode side will lead to a possibility of increasing the reduced X-ray source diameter. Thus, arranging the magnetic field generator so as to be inclined within the range in the cathode side from the electron beam may reduce the X-ray source diameter.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has an anode and a thermionic emitter with multiple emitter regions spaced from one another that generate, between the emitter and the anode, an electron beam composed of multiple partial beams generated by the respective emitter regions. Between the emitter and the anode is at least one control electrode arrangement that generates a variable electrical field and that has a number of passages to control the respective partial beams. Thus control electrode arrangement has a number of control electrode layers. The individual emitter regions and the control electrodes are arranged and controlled relative to one another to cause substantially the entirety of each partial beam generated by the respective emitter regions to proceed through a passage respectively associated with that partial beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a cathode, generating an electron beam, and an ion-deflecting and collecting setup (IDC), consisting of a single pair of electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a positive supply and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential. Further, the invention relates to a method of voltage supplying of a deflecting and collecting setup (IDC) consisting of a single pair of electrode, wherein the first electrode has a positive voltage potential and the second electrode has either an actively or a passively generated negative voltage, compared to ground potential.

Abstract: An x-ray-based radiation imaging apparatus (200) for use in imaging an object (201) can comprise a source of x-rays (202) having an output radiation intensity control input and a radiation intensity controller (207) operably coupled thereto. This radiation intensity controller can have a control output (209, 210) that is operably coupled to the output radiation intensity control input and an object information input (209). So configured, the radiation intensity controller can dynamically adjust radiation intensity as output by the source of x-rays as a function of information regarding the object itself.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises an electron source in the form of a cathodE (12), and an anode (14) within a housing (10). The anode (14) is a thin film anode, so that most of the electrons which do not interact with it to produce X-rays pass directly through it. X-rays can be collected through a first window (16) directly behind the anode (14), or a second window (18) to one side of the anode. A retardation electrode 20 is located behind the anode 4 and is held at a potential which is negative with respect to the anode 14, and slightly positive with respect to the cathode (12). This retardation electrode (20) produces an electric field which slows down electrons passing through the anode (14) so that, when they interact with it, they are at relatively low energies. This reduces the heat load on the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a standing wave linear accelerator, comprising: a microwave device configured to generate microwave; an electron beam emitting device configured to emit electron beam; an accelerating device configured to receive the microwave generated by the microwave device and form a microwave electric field, to accelerate electron beams generated from the electron beam emitting device and undertake the accelerated electron beam targeting to emit X ray beam; a synchronous device generating synchronous pulse signal; and a quick beam emitting device receiving the synchronous pulse signal generated by the synchronous device, wherein the microwave device runs and generates microwave in advance before the operation of the electron beam emitting device based on the synchronous pulse signal, and the quick beam emitting device drives the electron beam emitting device to emit electron beam after power of the microwave generated by the microwave device reaches stable state, so that the accelerating d

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: An arrangement for generating X-ray radiation includes an anode (9) formed as a part of a sphere, at least one virtual focus element (4) adapted to emit generated photons to create the useful beam field. The arrangement has a larger real focus than known X-ray tubes and arrangements for generating X-ray with an inclined anode surface, and achieves an increased radiation amount per unit of time, provided that the acceleration voltage and the electron density for each anode surface unit are equal for both arrangements. The virtual focus element (4) can be adapted to a specific field of application. Time- and geometry-related imaging errors may be avoided due to the high photon density and a focus which can be adapted to the requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray tube in which X-rays are generated by making electrons from an electron gun incident onto an X-ray target of an anode, disposed inside an anode housing unit, and the generated X-rays are taken out from an X-ray emission window. The anode has a straight main body and a protruding portion, extending along an axis line direction of the main body from a tip of the main body. An inclined surface, onto which the electrons emitted from the electron gun collide, and a pair of side surfaces, disposed in parallel while sandwiching the inclined surface, are formed on the protruding portion. A distance between the pair of side surfaces of the protruding portion is shorter than a width of the main body in the same direction as the distance.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray system that is orientated to provide X-ray images of a patient in the same orientation as viewed by a proton therapy beam, is synchronized with patient respiration, is operable on a patient positioned for proton therapy, and does not interfere with a proton beam treatment path. Preferably, the synchronized system is used in conjunction with a negative ion beam source, synchrotron, and/or targeting method apparatus to provide an X-ray timed with patient respiration and performed immediately prior to and/or concurrently with particle beam therapy irradiation to ensure targeted and controlled delivery of energy relative to a patient position resulting in efficient, precise, and/or accurate noninvasive, in-vivo treatment of a solid cancerous tumor with minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissue in a patient using the proton beam position verification system.

Abstract: Provided is a Schottky emitter having the conical end with a radius of curvature of 2.0 ?m on the emission side of an electron beam. Since a radius of curvature is 1 ?m or more, a focal length of an electron gun can be longer than in a conventional practice wherein a radius of curvature is in the range of from 0.5 ?m to not more than 0.6 ?m. The focal length was found to be roughly proportional to the radius of the curvature. Since the angular current intensity (the beam current per unit solid angle) is proportional to square of the electron gun focal length, the former can be improved by an order of magnitude within a practicable increase in the emitter radius. A higher angular current intensity means a larger beam current available from the electron gun and the invention enables the Schottky emitters to be used in applications which require relatively high beam current of microampere regime such as microfocus X-ray tube, electron probe micro-analyzer, and electron beam lithography system.