Improvements in and relating to x-ray sources

An anode device for an X-ray source having an electron beam generator for generating a beam of electrons directed along a beam axis for use in generating X-rays by electron impact upon the anode device, the anode device comprising:

• a pivoting anode assembly comprising a pivot and an anode surface part mounted upon the pivot for receiving electrons in a beam of electrons therewith to generate X-rays;
• a suspension assembly configured to apply to the pivoting anode assembly a restoring force to urge the pivoting anode assembly towards a quiescent position in which the anode surface part is static relative to the pivot;
• a displacer assembly configured to apply to the pivoting anode assembly a periodic displacing force to displace the pivoting anode assembly from the quiescent position;
• wherein the position of the anode assembly is configured to oscillate about the quiescent position in a motion transverse to the beam axis in response to the periodic displacing force and the restoring force thereby to oscillate the anode surface part transversely across the beam axis.

A method to generate X-rays by electron impact upon a surface part of an anode, the method comprising:

• generating a beam of electrons directed along a beam axis;
• receiving electrons from the beam of electrons at an anode surface part thereby generating X-rays, wherein the anode surface part is mounted upon a pivoting anode assembly which comprises a pivot and which is mounted upon a suspension assembly;
• applying to the pivoting anode assembly a restoring force via the suspension assembly to urge the pivoting anode assembly towards a quiescent position in which the anode surface part is static relative to the pivot;
• applying to the pivoting anode assembly a periodic displacing force to displace the pivoting anode assembly from the quiescent position;
• whereby the position of the anode assembly is oscillated about the quiescent position in a motion transverse to the beam axis in response to the periodic displacing force and the restoring force, thereby oscillating the anode surface part transversely across the beam axis.