Diffusion bonded x-ray target

An x-ray tube comprising:

• (a) an evacuated envelope;
• and
• (b) a rotatable x-ray target assembly disposed within the envelope and rotatable about an axis of rotation, the x-ray target assembly comprising:
• (i) an x-ray target member having an opening disposed therethrough;
• (ii) a support member having:
• a mounting surface disposed transversely to the axis of rotation, a lower surface of the target member being disposed on the mounting surface;
• and, a threaded stem extending from said mounting surface through the opening of the target member;
• (iii) means for receiving the threaded stem, said receiving means engaging an upper surface of the target member;
• and
• (iv) means for securing the target member to the support member, said securing means comprising a non-refractory metal brazing material disposed between the lower surface of the target member and the mounting surface;
• the brazing material being substantially completely diffused into the lower surface of the target member and the mounting surface of the support member, with said lower surface and mounting surface being in substantial contact.

An x-ray target assembly comprising:

• an x-ray target member having an x-ray target surface disposed thereon;
• means for supporting the x-ray target member;
• and
• means for securing said target member to said supporting means, said securing means comprising a member comprising a non-refractory metal diffusing material disposed at an interface between a first surface of the target member and a first surface of the supporting means, the diffusing material member being substantially completely diffused into the first surface of the target member and the first surface of the supporting means, with the first surfaces being in contact at the interface therebetween.