Multi-Pulse Flash X-ray for Pulsed X-ray Cineradiography

Abstract

A pulse sequencer that generates multiple X-ray pulses via a single X-ray tube is described. The pulse sequencer may include multiple pulse generators arranged in parallel. The parallel pulse generators may be multiplexed to the X-ray tube. Each pulse generator may include an energy source and a switch and may be connected to an isolation diode. Each switch may be closed in a sequence to generate multiple pulses. The isolation diodes may isolate each pulse generator from other pulse generators. Each isolation diode may include various features to reduce recovery time. After firing a pulse generator, the associated diode may be temporarily shorted by plasma created within the isolation diode during pulse generation. Each isolation diode may include a set of one or more magnets that may be used to clear the plasma and reduce recovery time such that pulse frequency may be increased.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.