X-ray tubes and x-ray systems having a thermal gradient device

An x-ray generating device for generating x-rays, the x-ray generating device comprising:

• a vacuum vessel having an inner surface forming a vacuum chamber;
• an anode assembly disposed within the vacuum chamber, the anode assembly including a target;
• a cathode assembly disposed within the vacuum chamber at a distance from the anode assembly, the cathode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target of the anode assembly, producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat;
• a shaft coupled to the vacuum vessel by a bearing assembly, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft having a support for supporting the target;
• a thermal gradient device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the second end of the shaft, the thermal gradient device operable for transferring heat away from the second end of the shaft;
• and
• a fin structure positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the thermal gradient device, the fin structure operable for convectively cooling the thermal gradient device.

An x-ray system, comprising:

• a vacuum vessel having an inner surface forming a vacuum chamber;
• an electron source disposed within the vacuum chamber, the electron source operable for emitting electrons;
• an x-ray source disposed within the vacuum chamber, the x-ray source operable for receiving electrons emitted by the electron source, producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat;
• a shaft coupled to the vacuum vessel by a bearing assembly, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft having a support for supporting the x-ray source;
• and
• a thermal energy transfer device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the second end of the shaft, the thermal energy transfer device operable for transferring heat away from the second end of the shaft.

An x-ray system, comprising:

• a vacuum vessel having an inner surface forming a vacuum chamber;
• an electron source disposed within the vacuum chamber, the electron source operable for emitting electrons;
• an x-ray source disposed within the vacuum chamber, the x-ray source operable for receiving electrons emitted by the electron source, producing x-rays and residual energy in the form of heat;
• a rotatable shaft coupled to the vacuum vessel by a bearing assembly, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shaft having a support for supporting the x-ray source;
• a thermal gradient device positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the second end of the shaft, the thermal gradient device operable for transferring heat away from the second end of the shaft;
• and
• a fin structure positioned adjacent to and in thermal communication with the thermal gradient device, the fin structure operable for convectively cooling the thermal gradient device.