High performance metal x-ray tube target having a reactive barrier layer

An x-ray tube anode comprising a body having a substrate, a focal track region on the front of the substrate for impingement by electrons to produce x-rays, a coating distinct from said region for enhancing heat emittance from the body, a reactive barrier layer interposed between the substrate and the heat emissive coating, and a protective layer interposed between the reactive barrier layer and the heat emissive coating.

A method for stabilizing performance of rotating target x-ray tubes which includes a rotating anode target comprising a molybdenum alloy substrate comprising about 0.05 atom percent titanium, about 0.08 atom percent zirconium, up to about 250 parts per million carbon, and the balance molybdenum, a focal track, and a heat emissive coating which comprises placing a reactive barrier layer between the substrate and the emissive coating and a protective layer of substantially carbon-free molybdenum between the reactive barrier layer and the emissive coating.

A method for substantially inhibiting formation of carbon monoxide in an x-ray tube having a rotating anode target comprising a carbon-containing alloy substrate, an oxide-containing emissive coating, and a focal track which comprises providing a reactive barrier layer between the emissive coating and the substrate, the reactive barrier layer being molybdenum or niobium alloy comprising from about 5 to about 20 atom percent of a metal selected from the group consisting of hafnium, zirconium, tantalum, titanium, and niobium.