US 2026/0081093 A1 · X-RAY TUBE WITH REDUCED ATTENUATION

Abstract

An x-ray tube, includes a support structure, at least two concave x-ray transmission windows, a filament and a target. The support structure has a plurality of different faces. At least two of the faces each define an opening therethrough. The two concave x-ray transmission windows are sealed to the support structure and cover a different opening. The support structure and the x-ray transmission windows define a void. The filament is emits electrons upon application of a sufficient potential difference between the filament and the x-ray transmission windows. The target is spaced away from the filament and is disposed on an interior side of the x-ray transmission windows. The target generates x-rays as a result of being impacted by electrons. Substantially all of the x-rays g exiting the x-ray tube pass through the concave x-ray transmission windows.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An x-ray tube, comprising:

(a) a support structure having a plurality of different faces, at least two of the plurality of faces each defining an opening therethrough;
(b) at least two concave x-ray transmission windows each sealed to the support structure and covering a different opening, wherein the support structure and the x-ray transmission windows define a void therein that contains at least a partial vacuum;
(c) a filament configured to emit electrons upon application of a sufficient potential difference between the filament and at least one of the x-ray transmission windows;
and
(d) at least one target spaced away from the filament and disposed on an interior side of at least one of the x-ray transmission windows, wherein the target generates x-rays as a result of being impacted by electrons from the filament and wherein substantially all of the x-rays generated by the target and exiting the x-ray tube pass through at least one of the concave x-ray transmission windows.

2 more elements

A method of making an x-ray tube, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating a three dimensional support structure that defines a void therein and that defines a plurality of openings therethrough;
(b) affixing a selected one of a metal thin film, a sheet metal or a metal foil to the support structure so as to cover each of the plurality of openings, thereby forming a corresponding plurality of concave x-ray transmission windows;
(c) applying a layer of a target material to an interior side of at least one of the plurality of x-ray transmission windows, wherein the target material generates x-rays as a result of electrons striking the target material;
(d) placing a filament and a cathode inside of the support structure, wherein the filament emits electrons, a portion of which will impact the target material, as a result of application of a potential difference between the filament and the at least one of the plurality of x-ray transmission windows to which the layer of a target material has been applied sufficient to cause the filament to emit electrons;
(e) electrically coupling the filament and the at least one of the plurality of x-ray transmission windows to which the layer of a target material has been applied to a voltage source;
and
(f) sealing the support structure and evacuating substantially all of the air in the void to form at least a partial vacuum therein.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

X-ray tube with reduced attenuation

Life of this patent

X-ray tube with reduced attenuation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11