X-ray source and x-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

An X-ray source (10) for emitting an X-ray beam (101) is proposed. The X-ray source (10) comprises an anode (12) and an emitter arrangement (14) comprising a cathode (16) for emitting an electron beam (15) towards the anode (12) and an electron optics (18) for focusing the electron beam (15) at a focal spot (20) on the anode (12). The X-ray source (10) further comprises a controller (22) configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement (14) and to actuate the emitter arrangement (14) to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot (20) on the anode (12), a size of the focal spot (20), and a shape of the focal spot (20). The controller (22) is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot (20) expected after the switching action. Further, the controller (22) is configured to actuate the electron optics (18) to compensate for a change of the size and the shape of the focal spot (20) induced by the switching action.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.