X-ray tube cooling system

An x-ray tube comprising:

• a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port;
• a window frame attached to the housing, the window frame defining an opening through which x-rays can pass;
• a window attached to the window frame such that the window covers the opening defined by the window frame;
• first, third, and fourth liquid passageways at least partially defined by the housing;
• and
• a second liquid passageway cooperatively defined by the housing and the window frame, the second liquid passageway being disposed about at least a portion of the opening in the window frame;
• wherein a first portion of a first liquid coolant can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through a first liquid path, defined by the first, second, and fourth liquid passageways, without flowing through the third liquid passageway;
• and
• wherein a second portion of the first liquid coolant can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through a second liquid path, defined by the first, third, and fourth liquid passageways, without flowing through the second liquid passageway.

An x-ray tube comprising:

• a can;
• a liquid manifold attached to the can, the liquid manifold defining an inlet port and an outlet port,
• a shield structure attached to the can, the shield structure defining an aperture that allows electrons to pass from an electron source to a target anode;
• a window frame attached to the can, the window frame defining an opening through which x-rays can pass;
• a window attached to the window frame such that the window covers the opening defined by the window frame;
• a first liquid passageway cooperatively defined by the liquid manifold, the can, and the shield structure;
• a second liquid passageway cooperatively defined by the can and the window frame, the second liquid passageway being disposed about at least a portion of the opening in the window frame;
• a third liquid passageway cooperatively defined by the can and the shield structure;
• a fourth liquid passageway cooperatively defined by the can, the shield structure, and the liquid manifold;
• and
• wherein a first portion of a first liquid coolant can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through a first liquid path, defined by the first, second, and fourth liquid passageways, without flowing through the third liquid passageway;
• and
• wherein a second portion of the first liquid coolant can flow from the inlet port to the outlet port through a second liquid path, defined by the first, third, and fourth liquid passageways, without flowing through the second liquid passageway.