Rapidly switching dual energy X-ray source
AssigneeXRSciences LLC
InventorsColin Charette, David Reynolds
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual energy X-ray source for use in Homeland Security, Medical, Non-destructive Testing, and other markets includes a power supply, and a single x-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes two cathodes, and a single anode. The electrons from the cathodes travel predominantly along the axis of the x-ray tube, and impact the anode. The grid and/or focus coil direct the electrons so that electrons can pass by the cathode. The cathodes are kept at different potential, such that the tube can rapidly switch energies, and can rapidly switch output flux from each cathode.
Claims20
A source device comprising:
- a chamber;
- a first cathode positioned within the chamber;
- a second cathode positioned within the chamber;
- and
- an anode positioned within the chamber;
- wherein the first cathode is separated from the anode in a direction at least partially along an axis of the chamber by a first distance, the second cathode is separated from the anode in the direction at least partially along the axis of the chamber by a second distance, and wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance;
- and
- wherein the first cathode comprises an opening through which charged particles emitted by the second cathode can pass.
An X-ray source comprising:
- a chamber having an axis;
- a first cathode positioned within the chamber and configured to emit charged particles;
- a second cathode positioned within the chamber and configured to emit charged particles;
- an anode positioned within the chamber;
- a first grid configured to cause charged particles from the first cathode to move at least partially along the axis of the chamber;
- and
- a second grid configured to cause charged particles from the second cathode to move at least partially along the axis of the chamber;
- wherein the first cathode is separated from the anode in a direction at least partially along an axis of the chamber by a first distance, the second cathode is separated from the anode in the direction at least partially along the axis of the chamber by a second distance, and wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance;
- and
- wherein the first cathode comprises an opening through which charged particles emitted by the second cathode can pass.
An X-ray machine comprising:
- an X-ray source comprising
- a tube,
- a first cathode positioned within the tube and configured to emit electrons, the first cathode comprising an opening,
- a second cathode positioned within the tube and configured to emit electrons,
- an anode positioned within the tube,
- a grid configured to direct charged particles from the second cathode through the opening in the first cathode;
- and
- an X-ray detector.
An X-ray source, the source comprising,
- a chamber;
- a first cathode positioned within the chamber and configured to emit electrons, the first cathode comprising an opening;
- a second cathode positioned within the chamber and configured to emit electrons,
- an anode positioned within the chamber;
- and
- a grid configured to direct the electrons from the second cathode through the opening in the first cathode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.