Dual filament X-ray tube

A method of producing X-rays in an X-ray tube comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a target region which emits X-rays in response to bombardment with electrons;
• b. concurrently producing first and second flows of electrons;
• c. establishing a voltage potential adjacent the target region to cause the first and second flows of electrons to strike the target region;
• and,
• d. focusing the first and second flows of electrons to strike the target in first and second partially overlapping focal spots of similar, non-uniform electron distribution and of substantially the same size and configuration, the first and second partially overlapped focal spots providing an overall focal spot having a substantially uniform electron distribution.

A method of producing X-rays in a dual focus X-ray tube having first and second concurrently energizable electron emitting elements which produce first and second beams of electrons flowing to a target-defining anode, comprising the steps of:

• a. energizing the first emitting element to produce the first beam of electrons having a first density and area characteristic;
• b. energizing the second emitting element to produce the second beam of electrons;
• c. adjusting the energization of the second emitting element independently from energization of the first emitting element until the second beam has a desired second density and area characteristic which substantially matches the first characteristic;
• and
• d. focusing the beams on the target of the anode in a partially overlapping relation to provide a combined focal spot having a relatively uniform electron-receiving density.