X-ray generator

A method of obtaining an x-ray image of an object, comprising the steps of:

• providing an x-ray generator comprising an array of electron field emitters for producing paths of electrons, target material comprising x-ray photon producing material configured to emit x-ray photons in response to the incidence of produced electrons upon the target material, an array of magnetic-field generators for affecting the paths of the produced electrons from the array of electron field emitters such that one or more of the paths are divertable away from the x-ray photon producing material so as to reduce the production of x-ray photons by the said one or more paths of electrons, the generator further comprising a sensing circuit arranged to measure the amount of electrical charge emitted by the electron emitters, and a controller for controlling the array of magnetic-field generators in response to the amount of electrical charge measured, wherein the controller is arranged to control one or more magnetic-field generators to thereby reduce production of x-ray photons resulting from the one or more paths of electrons when the amount of electrical charge, as measured by the sensing circuit in the one or more paths, exceeds a pre-determined threshold;
• providing an x-ray detector;
• and
• operating said generator whereby x-ray photons pass through an object positioned between the x-ray generator and the x-ray detector.