Emitter devices for use in x-ray tubes

An X-ray imaging system, comprising:

• an X-ray tube configured to produce X-ray beams having a determined size of a focal spot, wherein the X-ray tube employs an emitter device having an emission surface, and wherein the emission surface comprises:
• a plurality of ligaments configured to emit electrons in response to an applied electric field resulting from an applied electrical voltage;
• a plurality of slots configured to provide physical separation between two or more adjacently disposed ligaments of the plurality of ligaments, wherein one or more slots of the plurality of slots define an electrical path;
• and
• a low work function layer disposed on at least a portion of a ligament of the plurality of ligaments.

A method of making an emitter device, comprising:

• providing an emitter body having an emission surface, wherein the emission surface comprises:
• a plurality of ligaments configured to emit electrons in response to an applied electric field resulting from an applied electrical voltage;
• a plurality of slots configured to provide physical separation between two or more adjacently disposed ligaments of the plurality of ligaments, and wherein one or more slots of the plurality of slots define an electrical path;
• and
• selectively disposing a low work function layer on at least a portion of a ligament of the plurality of ligaments.