System and method for collecting backscattered electrons in an x-ray tube

An electron collector assembly for collecting backscattered electrons within a substantially evacuated vessel that contains an electron-emitting cathode and an electron-attracting anode spaced apart therein, said electron collector assembly comprising:

• a first plate mounted proximate to said anode within said vessel, said first plate having a first side at least partially facing said anode and a second side facing opposite said first side;
• an inner member integral with said first plate, said inner member having an internal conduit for conveying a heat absorbing cooling fluid therethrough;
• a second plate mounted proximate to said cathode within said vessel, said second plate having a first side and a second side at least partially facing said cathode;
• an inlet in fluid communication with said internal conduit;
• and
• an outlet in fluid communication with said internal conduit.

An electron collector assembly for collecting backscattered electrons within a substantially evacuated vessel that contains an electron-emitting cathode and an electron-attracting anode spaced apart therein, said electron collector assembly comprising:

• a first plate mounted proximate to said anode within said vessel, said first plate having a first side at least partially facing said anode and a second side facing opposite said first side;
• a second plate mounted proximate to said cathode within said vessel, said second plate having a first side and a second side at least partially facing said cathode;
• an inner member integral with said second plate, said inner member having an internal conduit for conveying heat absorbing cooling fluid therethrough;
• an inlet in fluid communication with said internal conduit;
• and
• an outlet in fluid communication with said internal conduit.

A system for collecting backscattered electrons within a substantially evacuated vessel containing both an electron-emitting cathode assembly and an electron-attracting anode assembly spaced apart therein, said system comprising:

• a first plate mounted proximate to said anode assembly within said vessel, said first plate having a first side at least partially facing said anode assembly and a second side facing opposite said first side;
• a second plate mounted proximate to said cathode assembly within said vessel, said second plate having a first side and a second side at least partially facing said cathode assembly;
• and
• an inner member positioned between said first plate and said second plate, said inner member having an internal conduit for conveying heat absorbing cooling fluid therethrough.

A method for collecting backscattered electrons within a substantially evacuated vessel containing both an electron-emitting cathode assembly and an electron-attracting anode assembly spaced apart therein, said system comprising:

• mounting a first plate proximate to said anode assembly within said vessel, said first plate having a first side at least partially facing said anode assembly and a second side facing opposite said first side;
• mounting a second plate proximate to said cathode assembly within said vessel, said second plate having a first side and a second side at least partially facing said cathode assembly;
• and
• positioning an inner member between said first plate and said second plate, said inner member having an internal conduit for conveying heat absorbing cooling fluid therethrough.