X-ray tube with multiple differently sized focal spots and method for operating same
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorWillibald Knott
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Abstract
An x-ray tube has an anode whose target area is divided into regions formed of different materials, whereby focal spots of different size can be optionally generated in each of the regions. The focal spots belonging to one region are respectively generated at different locations but all focal spots are generated so close together that the focal position is essentially the same for all focal spots. An operating method for such an x-ray tube is also disclosed.
Claims14
An x-ray tube comprising:
- an anode having a target area divided into a plurality of regions, said regions respectively consisting of different materials;
- and
- electron emitter means for generating at least one focal spot in each of said region and a plurality of focal spots of respectively different sizes in at least one of said regions, said emitter means generating said focal spots in said different regions and said focal spots of different sizes in said one region in close proximity for obtaining a focal position which is substantially the same for all of said focal spots.
A method for operating an x-ray tube having an anode with a target area divided into a plurality of regions consisting of different materials, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating at least one focal spot in each of said regions;
- generating a plurality of focal spots of respectively different sizes in at least one of said regions;
- and
- generating said focal spots in said different regions and said focal spots of different sizes in said one of said regions in close proximity for obtaining a focal position which is substantially the same for all of said focal spots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.