Scanning spectral X-ray imaging using an alternating high voltage X-ray source

A scanning imaging system for generating a scan of an object, the scanning imaging system comprising:

• a power source configured to provide an alternating current (AC) high voltage output having an amplitude and a frequency;
• a distributed X-ray source coupled to the power source and including an array of X-ray emitters, wherein each X-ray emitter is configured to generate an X-ray beam with an energy spectrum based on the AC high voltage output;
• an actuator for driving the position of the distributed X-ray source through a pre-planned trajectory around the object during the capture of images for generating spectral tomographic information of the object;
• and
• a controller coupled to the power source and the distributed X-ray source and configured to:
• control the alternating high voltage, and
• control a timing of when to engage an X-ray emitter of the array of X-ray emitters of the distributed X-ray source-based on a predefined firing pattern, and to select a voltage level provided to the distributed X-ray source for the X-ray beam based on the timing of when to engage the X-ray emitter.