Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining multi-slice images having a total thickness of up to about 160 mm or more in a single gantry rotation in computed tomography or volume computed tomography are described. One embodiment comprises an extended, multi-spot x-ray source for computed tomography or volume computed tomography imaging, comprising: an electron gun capable of producing a plurality of electron beams, each electron beam focused at a predetermined distance and aimed in a predetermined direction; and a plurality of targets positioned to receive the electron beams and generate x-rays in response thereto, each target comprising a predetermined focal spot thereon, wherein each electron beam is synchronized to strike, at an appropriate time, a predetermined target comprising a predetermined focal spot thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.

Abstract: An x-ray tube target assembly 16 provided. The target assembly 16 includes a target plate element 18 having an impact surface 24, a target rear surface 30, an inner target bore 22, and an outer target circumference 38. The target plate element 18 defines a target plate depth 32 between the impact surface 24 and the target rear surface 30. The target rear surface 30 is formed such that the target plate depth 32 tapers from an increased target plate depth 34 at the inner target bore to a decreased target plate depth 36 at the outer target circumference 38. The target assembly 16 further includes a graphite base element 28 having a base upper surface 42 and a base rear surface 44. The base upper surface 42 is formed to mate with the target rear surface 30.

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

Abstract: A rotating anode for an x-ray tube has an anode body composed of composite fiber material, mounted in a bearing system, the anode body having a target surface with a focal ring and including fibers with particularly high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction. An axis-proximal cooling system is associated with the anode body. The majority of all fibers with high heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction terminate bluntly both at the focal ring and at the cooling system, such that their abutting faces respectively are in direct, heat-conducting contact both with the focal ring and with the cooling system.

Abstract: An x-ray tube target assembly 16 is provided. The assembly 16 includes a target disc element 18 having a target bore 22. A target shaft 20 transmits rotational drive to the target disc element 18. The target shaft 20 includes a plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 formed in an upper portion. The plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 are positioned around the target shaft 20 to form a plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36. The plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36 are brazed to the target bore 22.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for the rotational mounting of a rotary anode of an X-ray emitting device on a support having at least one rolling bearing provided in order to be placed between the rotary anode and the support, the rolling bearing having a rotating ring, a non-rotating ring, and rolling elements placed between raceways of the first ring and of the second ring. At least one sleeve is intended to be mounted between an axially stressed ring of the rolling bearing and a cylindrical bearing surface of the anode or of the support, the sleeve being radially elastic in order to compensate for variations in radial dimensions between the ring and the cylindrical bearing surface, and in order to dampen the vibration, while at the same time being suitable for allowing the ring to slide axially with respect to the cylindrical bearing surface.

Abstract: An X-ray tube comprises a cathode, an anode target assembly and an axial flux motor having a rotor and a stator. The stator is positioned along a transverse axis parallel to the rotor axis. The rotor and the stator are configured to be coupled to the anode target assembly. A cathode generates an electron beam for impingement upon the anode target assembly and a vacuum housing surrounds the anode target assembly, the cathode and the rotor to enable the electron beam impingement.

Abstract: An x-ray tube target assembly 16 is provided. The assembly 16 includes a target disc element 18 having a target bore 22. A target shaft 20 transmits rotational drive to the target disc element 18. The target shaft 20 includes a plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 formed in an upper portion. The plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 are positioned around the target shaft 20 to form a plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36. The plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36 are brazed to the target bore 22.

Abstract: An integrated component mounting system that includes a component mounted to a shaft and secured in place by a nut. The component and the nut each define respective annular shaped surfaces. The shaped surfaces are each inclined at a similar angle and are arranged for sliding contact with respect to each other. As the nut is tightened on the shaft, the shaped surface of the nut exerts both radial and axial forces on the shaped surface of the component, thereby automatically centering the component radially on the shaft as well as securing the component at a desired location along the shaft.

Abstract: Liquid metal gaskets for use in vacuum tubes are described. Such liquid metal gaskets may be ideal for use in x-ray tubes in x-ray imaging systems. These liquid metal gaskets may comprise an internal plug comprising a liquid metal filling, a first seal operatively connected to a first end of the internal plug so as to isolate a bearing assembly from a vacuum vessel portion of the vacuum tube, and a second seal operatively connected to a second end of the internal plug so as to prevent particles and vapors in a cavity of the bearing assembly from migrating into a vacuum area of the x-ray tube. The first seal is preferably a contact seal, and the second seal is preferably a non-contact seal. These liquid metal gaskets may comprise any suitable liquid metal such as mercury, gallium, or a gallium alloy. These liquid metal gaskets allow any suitable type of bearing assembly lubricant to be used, such as, for example, oils, powders, liquids, solids, wetting metals, and the like.

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

Abstract: A rotary component support system for positioning and securing an anode of x-ray tube. The rotary component support system includes a shaft, to which the anode is indirectly mounted, that includes a tapered end and defines a threaded hole. The tapered end of the shaft is engaged by a tapered cavity defined by a mounting piece that is disposed in an aperture defined by the vacuum enclosure of the x-ray tube. The mounting piece defines a hole through which a bolt passes. The bolt engages the threaded hole defined by the support shaft so that as the bolt is tightened, the tapered end of the support shaft is drawn into the tapered cavity of the mounting piece. Due to the tapered geometries, the support shaft self-aligns itself with respect to the mounting piece. A weld at the interface between the bolt and the mounting piece seals the vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: A rotating anode X-ray tube suitable for use in CT installations has a vacuum housing in which a cathode that emits electron beams is rigidly arranged and in which an anode that emits X-rays is rotatably arranged. The anode is arranged at a rotary body that, facing toward the cathode, has a focal path composed of target material that melts during operation of the tube. The rotary body is designed so that the melting target material is held to the anode due to the centrifugal forces of the rotary body when rotating around the cathode.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for the rotational mounting of a rotary anode of an X-ray emitting device on a support having at least one rolling bearing provided in order to be placed between the rotary anode and the support, the rolling bearing having a rotating ring, a non-rotating ring, and rolling elements placed between raceways of the first ring and of the second ring. At least one sleeve is intended to be mounted between an axially stressed ring of the rolling bearing and a cylindrical bearing surface of the anode or of the support, the sleeve being radially elastic in order to compensate for variations in radial dimensions between the ring and the cylindrical bearing surface, and in order to dampen the vibration, while at the same time being suitable for allowing the ring to slide axially with respect to the cylindrical bearing surface.

Abstract: An X-ray target material comprising an oxide-dispersion strengthened Mo (ODS-Mo) alloy. ODS-Mo refers to molybdenum strengthened by a fine dispersion of insoluble oxide particles of one or more of the following compounds: La2O3, Y2O3 and CeO2. ODS—Mo alloy improves upon the prior art by providing higher and more uniform strength and creep resistance over the applicable temperature range of large brazed graphite targets. This, in conjunction with higher-strength graphite, allows the target to spin faster without causing graphite burst, thus providing improvement in peak power. The recrystallization temperature of the fabricated material is high enough to maintain original properties through all target processing, including a very high-temperature braze cycle.

Abstract: A computed tomography system comprises a gantry and an x-ray tube. The gantry rotates about a gantry axis of rotation. The x-ray tube is mounted to the gantry, and comprises a rotatable assembly having a tube axis of rotation. The tube axis of rotation is angularly displaced from the gantry axis of rotation by a tilt angle. Rotation of the x-ray tube about the gantry axis of rotation produces a first moment, and rotation of the rotatable assembly about the tube axis of rotation produces a second moment that opposes the first moment.

Abstract: A rotating anode for an x-ray tube has an anode body having a target surface with a focal ring, supported by a bearing system. The anode body is composed of composite fiber material with fibers exhibiting an especially high heat-conductivity, as well as a high mechanical strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of connecting workpieces which is suitable notably for connecting an anode rod (5) to an end plate (6) of a rotor sleeve (7) in a rotary anode X-ray tube where on the one hand adequate strength is required and on the other hand an as small as possible cross-section of the anode rod so as to realize a heat barrier. The method is characterized mainly in that the objects are connected to one another by friction welding and that the cross-section is reduced, that is, outside a connecting zone in which the friction weld is situated, in such a manner that the strength of the connecting zone is at least slightly greater than that of the segment of reduced cross-section.

Abstract: A high-quality and high-reliability rotary anode target for X-ray tubes, of which the mechanical strength at high temperatures is increased and which is applicable not only to low-speed rotation (at least 3,000 rpm) but also even to high-speed rotation at high temperatures, and also a method for producing it. The rotary anode has a two-layered structure to be formed by laminating an Mo alloy substrate that comprises from 0.2% by weight to 1.5% by weight of TiC with the balance of substantially Mo, and an X-ray generating layer of a W—Re alloy that overlies the substrate.

Abstract: A brazed X-ray target includes a metallic cap and a graphite back including a nonlinear record groove attached thereto along a stepped surface. An upper corner joint of the stepped surface is distanced from a cap outer edge and a focal track where the maximum heat is generated during use of the target. The graphite back is extended outward toward the cap outer edge to increase a thermal storage of the graphite, and a recess is formed into the cap to maintain a selected moment of inertia of the target and thereby maintain the rotordynamics of a given X-ray tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a rotatable anode of an x-ray tube. The anode having an axis of rotation and includes a solid thin plate target having a substantially planar base surface extending from the axis of rotation to a periphery outlining the base surface, wherein the plate target includes target material for generating x-rays selected from a group of high-Z materials. The plate target has a thickness of about 1 mm or less. The method includes fabricating the thin plate target using silicon wafer processing technology using suitable materials for such technology in forming the plate target selected from the group of high-Z materials.

Abstract: Reaction-brazing of tungsten or molybdenum metal bodies to carbonaceous supports enables an x-ray generating anode to be joined to a preferred lightweight substrate. Complementary surfaces are provided on a dense refractory metal body and a graphite or a carbon-carbon composite support. A particulate braze mixture comprising Hf or Zr carbide, Mo or W boride, Hf or Zr powder and Mo or W powder is coated onto the support surface, and hafnium or zirconium foil may be introduced between the braze mixture and the refractory metal body complementary surface. Reaction-brazing is carried out at or near the eutectic point of the components, which may be influenced to some extent by the presence of carbon and boride. Heating to about 1865° C.

Abstract: An x-ray tube and x-ray system including an anode assembly having a shaft with a first end and a second end, a target connected to the first end of the shaft, and a rotor connected to the second end of the shaft. The anode assembly further having spaced-apart bearings rotatably supporting the shaft. The shaft, target, and rotor positioned relative to each other such that the center of gravity of the combination of the shaft, the target, and the rotor is positioned between the bearings. Additionally, the target and rotor may be flexibly interconnected allowing the beneficial use of gyroscopic effects.

Abstract: An X-ray tube includes a substantially cylindrical rotor having an anode target fixed thereto, a substantially columnar stationary shaft coaxially arranged inside the rotor with a bearing gap, a dynamic slide bearing having helical grooves and formed between the rotor and the stationary shaft, and a metal lubricant supplied to the grooves and to the gap. An axial bore is formed in the shaft to extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and an insertion rod is inserted into the axial bore such that a space extending in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the axial bore and an outer circumferential surface of the insertion rod. The space acts as at least one lubricant reservoir that is configured to store the metal lubricant.

Abstract: A rotating anode X-ray tube suitable for use in CT installations has a vacuum housing in which a cathode that emits electron beams is rigidly arranged and in which an anode that emits X-rays is rotatably arranged. The anode is arranged at a rotary body that, facing toward the cathode, has a focal path composed of target material that melts during operation of the tube. The rotary body is designed so that the melting target material is held to the anode due to the centrifugal forces of the rotary body when rotating around the cathode.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an X-ray producing device, including: an X-ray tube; a cathode disposed in the X-ray tube to produce a stream of electrons; and a spherical anode disposed in the X-ray tube to have impinged on a point thereon the stream of electrons and to produce thereby a stream of X-rays.

Abstract: X-ray source bearing assemblies are described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, an x-ray source includes a target anode, a rotor shaft coupled to the target anode, and a motor coupled to the rotor shaft at an end of the shaft opposite the target anode. The bearing housing, in the exemplary embodiment, includes a rotor bore, the rotor shaft extending through said rotor bore and supported therein by a plurality bearings. The housing and the shaft form a cooling medium pool so that as the shaft rotates, a cooling medium in the pool is radially displaced.

Abstract: An x-ray tube and x-ray system including an anode assembly having a shaft with a first end and a second end, a target connected to the first end of the shaft, and a rotor connected to the second end of the shaft. The anode assembly further having spaced-apart bearings rotatably supporting the shaft. The shaft, target, and rotor positioned relative to each other such that the center of gravity of the combination of the shaft, the target, and the rotor is positioned between the bearings. Additionally, the target and rotor may be flexibly interconnected allowing the beneficial use of gyroscopic effects.

Abstract: An x-ray tube has a vacuum housing containing an electron-emitting cathode and an anode on which the electron beam, accelerated with an electrical field, is incident. The x-ray tube contains a magnet system which generates a main magnetic field with spring focus for deflecting and focusing the electron beam such that the focal spot on the incident surface of the anode can be azimuthally varied. A coil is located spatially separate from the main magnetic field and the alignment of the focal spot relative to the incident surface can be influenced therewith. The coil is fashioned and arranged such that a non-uniform magnetic field that effects a parallel alignment of the focal spot in the spring function is generated therewith.

Abstract: An X-ray tube which is high in brightness and high in resolution, and can withstand continuous long-time use, that is, it can withstand a high heat load. An X-ray target and an X-ray tube having the X-ray target include an X-ray generating metal layer having an average crystal grain diameter not larger than 30 &mgr;m on the surface of a base plate in the X-ray irradiated side. The X-ray tube has a small focus point and can withstand a high input load. A CT apparatus using the X-ray tube can provide a high resolution and a high definition image.

Abstract: A multi-region target that is configured to selectively generate two different energy distributions when exposed to an excitation electron beam is described. The multi-region target includes multiple regions with different x-ray generating characteristics. Thus, the interaction between an excitation electron beam and the target generates an x-ray beam with an energy distribution that depends upon which target region is exposed to the excitation electron beam. The different x-ray spectra may be used to produce an enhanced contrast x-ray image. A method of detecting the rotational position of the multi-region target based upon the contrast level of the resulting images also is described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing x-ray tube parts is disclosed wherein metallic pieces are explosively bonded together to establish a high strength, stable union between them. The x-ray tube parts may then be milled from the bonded metallic pieces. The explosion bonding process creates only discrete intermetallic components in the joint region instead of a continuous, weakening intermetallic layer common in brazed joints. An explosion bond joint is characterized by a wavelike interface, thereby increasing surface area over which the components are bonded and further increasing bond integrity. Stems, rotor hubs, rotor sleeves, anodes, and other tube components may be manufactured using this method.

Abstract: In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, the rotation anode of an X-ray tube is placed in rotation at a given low speed prior to examination of an object under examination by fluoroscopy. For fluoroscopy, the rotational speed of the rotation anode is switched from the low speed to a given medium speed. For X-ray photography, the rotational speed of the rotation anode is switched from the medium speed to a given high speed.

Abstract: A rotary anode X-ray tube, comprising a rotor, a stationary structure, a dynamic pressure slide bearing formed between the rotor and the stationary structure, the stationary structure having a lubricant storage chamber and provided with a lubricant passageway, and a vacuum vessel. Holes are formed in the stationary structure extending from the lower edge surface along the tube axis and not to cross the lubricant storage chamber and the lubricant passageway. Heat transfer members for the stationary structure having a heat conductivity higher than that of the stationary structure are inserted into the holes, respectively. A heat transfer member having a heat conductivity higher than that of the inner cylindrical structure of the rotor is bonded in a cylindrical form to the outer circumferential wall of the inner cylindrical structure constituting a bearing. A heat transfer member can be mounted to each of the rotor and the stationary structure.

Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites suitable for use in high temperature environments and/or harsh chemical environments are provided, along with methods of preparation thereof. The fibrous monolith composites exhibit such beneficial properties as enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and thermal cycling tolerance.

Abstract: A brazed X-ray target includes a metallic cap and a graphite back including a nonlinear record groove attached thereto along a stepped surface. An upper corner joint of the stepped surface is distanced from a cap outer edge and a focal track where the maximum heat is generated during use of the target. The graphite back is extended outward toward the cap outer edge to increase a thermal storage of the graphite, and a recess is formed into the cap to maintain a selected moment of inertia of the target and thereby maintain the rotordynamics of a given X-ray tube.

Abstract: A CT scanner comprises a beryllium window mounted on an x-ray insert, a cooling fluid circulation line, and a cooling fluid return line. A plurality of fins are mounted in the cooling fluid circulation line. The fluid circulation line is in fluid communication with one of an anode side cavity and a cathode side cavity and in fluid communication with a heat exchanger. The fluid return line is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the other one of the anode side cavity and the cathode side cavity. A pump means circulates the cooling fluid through the heat exchanger, the suction and return lines, and the x-ray tube housing assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary anode type X-ray comprising a substantially columnar stator, a cylindrical first rotor coupled around the stator, at least one hydrodynamic slide bearing region including a spiral groove, and arranged in the coupled portion between the stator and the first rotor, and a cylindrical second rotor arranged coaxial with and outside the first rotor with a gap for the heat insulation and bonded directly or indirectly to a anode disk, the second rotor being bonded to the first rotor in an open edge region positioned remote from the anode disk in terms of the heat transmission route, wherein a plurality of slits extending substantially along the axis of rotation are formed apart from each other in the circumferential direction in the open edge region in which the second rotor is bonded to the first rotor.

Abstract: An x-ray tube assembly (16) includes a vacuum envelope (52) and an x-ray permeable exit window (54). An anode (50) is positioned within the vacuum envelope (52) such that a near side is adjacent to the exit window (54) and a far side is opposite thereof. A cathode assembly (74) is also mounted within the vacuum envelope (52) which directs an electron beam (78) toward a focal spot or point (58) on the far side of the anode (50). The anode further includes a central cavity or indentation (70) which provides a location for mounting a set of radiation attenuating vanes (64) in addition to a shaped x-ray filter or compensator (68). Close placement of the vanes (64) and the filter (68) relative to the focal spot of the anode desirably reduce off focal radiation and allow beam shaping. An externally located collimator (18) further shapes the output x-ray beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary-anode X-ray tube which includes an axial bearing arrangement which is particularly suitable for combination with a radial spiral groove bearing. It is a problem of known axial magnet bearings, which generally comprise two tooth-like structures which are oriented in the radial direction and are oppositely situated, consists in that substantial radial forces are generated during the starting and the stopping phase, which radial forces can cause substantial wear of notably radial spiral groove bearings. An axial bearing which involves significantly lower radial forces and hence a less loading of the radial bearings, is realized by an arrangement of at least two magnetic elements which are spaced apart in the axial direction and are connected in such a manner that they take up axial bearing forces. A further solution to this problem is achieved by means of an axial bearing in the form of a single-point ball bearing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an x-ray tube, and method of manufacture thereof, having an improved rotary anode target structure. The anode target is constructed of carbon-carbon composite material. A focal track is formed on the surface of the anode target, and is comprised of a metallic material that is capable of generating x-rays when contacted with a high velocity electron stream. The surface of the carbon-carbon composite anode is treated in a manner so as to provide an enhanced bond between the composite and the focal track material, and which diffuses any interfacial stresses that occur between the track layer and the composite substrate during thermal expansion of the two materials, which may differ significantly. In particular, the bond interface is formed by microscopically roughening the surface of the substrate, so as to provide a “saw-tooth”-like, or jagged, surface configuration.

Abstract: An x-ray radiator has a housing containing a fluid coolant wherein a rotating bulb x-ray tube is rotatably seated, the rotating bulb x-ray tube having an evacuated vacuum housing containing a cathode and an anode, with the anode forming a wall of the vacuum housing and having an exterior charged by the coolant. The anode has a profiling at its exterior that enlarges the surface area contact between the exterior of the anode and the coolant. The profiling can be in the form of at least one channel proceeding from as a spiral from a central region of the anode toward its periphery.

Abstract: A joining method designed to minimize the temperature needed to obtain a high strength braze joint between a molybdenum alloy substrate and a graphite disk used in a rotating anode X-ray tube target used for computed tomography applications. The method consists of two separate brazing operations. The first brazing operation joins a thin molybdenum sheet to the graphite disk using a pure metal braze to form a plated graphite subassembly. The second brazing operation joins the plated graphite subassembly to the molybdenum alloy substrate using a highly specialized braze alloy having a melt temperature below the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate and a remelt temperature after brazing above the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate.

Abstract: An anode target for use within an x-ray generating device including a target frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thermal energy transfer device. The thermal energy transfer device including a heat exchanger having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat exchanger positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the target frame; a cooling medium circulating through the heat exchanger for convectively cooling the anode target; and a thermal coupling medium disposed between the inner surface of the target frame and the outer surface of the heat exchanger, the thermal coupling medium thermally coupling the target frame with the heat exchanger while permitting relative motion between the target frame and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A joining method designed to minimize the temperature needed to obtain a high strength braze joint between a molybdenum alloy substrate and a graphite disk used in a rotating anode X-ray tube target used for computed tomography applications. The method consists of two separate brazing operations. The first brazing operation joins a thin molybdenum sheet to the graphite disk using a pure metal braze to form a plated graphite subassembly. The second brazing operation joins the plated graphite subassembly to the molybdenum alloy substrate using a highly specialized braze alloy having a melt temperature below the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate and a remelt temperature after brazing above the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate.

Abstract: A joining method designed to minimize the temperature needed to obtain a high strength braze joint between a molybdenum alloy substrate and a graphite disk used in a rotating anode X-ray tube target used for computed tomography applications. The method consists of two separate brazing operations. The first brazing operation joins a thin molybdenum sheet to the graphite disk using a pure metal braze to form a plated graphite subassembly. The second brazing operation joins the plated graphite subassembly to the molybdenum alloy substrate using a highly specialized braze alloy having a melt temperature below the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate and a remelt temperature after brazing above the recrystallization temperature of said molybdenum alloy substrate.

Abstract: X-rays of a specific wavelength are required for some analytical applications. Such soft X-rays can be obtained by irradiating a secondary target with X-rays of a suitable wavelength. According to the invention there is formed an X-ray tube 1 with an anode surface layer 7 containing a rare earth metal, preferably Gd or Dy. When a secondary target containing La is irradiated with K radiation from such a tube, La K radiation is generated which can be used for analysis of elements of the fifth row of the periodic table. In a preferred embodiment the rare earth metal is bonded to the anode body 4 by way of an intermediate layer 8 of Ti or Mo.

Abstract: An X-ray tube (40) including a rotary anode (44) a cathode (1) and compact shielding means (5) for effective shielding against undesired secondary radiation. The secondary radiation is produced in the vicinity of the emitting surface (11) of a target disk (4) of the rotary anode (44) and comprises both electron and X-ray components. The undesired secondary radiation emanates in a certain limited solid angle from the emitting surface of the target disk. Therefore, in order to optimize the shielding properties of the shielding means (5) the latter are positioned in the direct vicinity of the source of the secondary radiation. In order to intercept the undesired secondary radiation emanating towards the rotation axis (12) of the rotary anode, the latter is equipped with a ring-like projection (7).

Abstract: A rotation anticathode-X ray generating equipment includes a rotation anticathode and a cathode. The electron beam for the anticathode from the cathode is irradiated to the area of the surface of the anticathode on which a centrifugal force acts toward the inner side of the surface of the anticathode from the outer side thereof when the anticathode rotates. As a result, a X ray is generated in very high flux.