# US 9,520,262 B2 · X-ray source, method for producing X-rays and use of an X-ray source emitting monochromatic X-rays

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- Number: US 9,520,262 B2
- Document ID: US9520262B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/406,301
- Filed: 2012-06-14
- Published: 2015-05-21
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2012-06-14
- Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
- Applicants: Oliver Heid; Timothy Hughes; Jennifer Sirtl
- Inventors: Oliver Heid; Timothy Hughes; Jennifer Sirtl
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9520262B2

## CPC

- H01J 35/108: {Substrates for and bonding of emissive target, e.g. composite structures}
- A61B 6/484: {involving phase contrast X-ray imaging}
- H01J 35/116: {Transmissive anodes (acting as a window H01J35/186)}
- H01J 35/24: Tubes wherein the point of impact of the cathode ray on the anode or anticathode is movable relative to the surface thereof
- H01J 2235/081: Target material
- H01J 2235/084: Target-substrate interlayers or structures, e.g. to control or prevent diffusion or improve adhesion
- H01J 2235/1006: Supports or shafts for target or substrate
- H01J: ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS (spark-gaps H01T; electric arc lamps H05B31/00; particle accelerators H05H)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

X-ray sources and production of X-rays, in particular, producing monochromatic x-rays is provided. More specifically, a method for producing X-rays and the use of the X-ray source for x-raying bodies (for example human bodies). An aerogel, for example in the form of a rod, may be provided in a housing as a target. Said target may be bombarded with an electron beam, the aerogel being vaporized due to the extreme low density and the high energy. As a result, the target is guided by means of a roller such that an unused target for producing, in particular, the monochromatic X-rays, is always available.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An X-ray source having a housing in which a target is provided that can emit X-rays when the target is bombarded with an electron beam, wherein the target includes a target material, wherein said target material is an aerogel.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aerogel is fixed on a metal foil made of a light metal or a plurality of light metals.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal foil has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal foil has holes which are bridged by the target material.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holes are arranged in a regular pattern.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 5, wherein the holes have the cross section of a regular hexagon and are arranged in a form of honeycombs in the metal foil.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target is configured as a tape which can be unwound from a first roller and wound onto a second roller.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aerogel is in a form of a rod and can be guided through the electron beam using a guide apparatus.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one lanthanide is included in the target material.

### Claim 10 (depends on 2)

The X-ray source as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal foil is made of aluminum.

### Claim 11

A method for producing X-rays, comprising the steps of:
providing a housing having an X-ray source, producing an electron beam;
bombarding a target with the electron beam, wherein the target includes an aerogel target material; and
emitting X-rays from the target.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein monochromatic X-rays are emitted from the target.

### Claim 13 (depends on 11)

The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising the step of supplying a new target material of the aerogel when the target material is used up by the electron beam.

### Claim 14

A method for X-raying a body comprising the steps of:
providing a housing having a X-ray source, producing an electron beam;
bombarding a target with the electron beam, wherein the target includes a target material comprised of an aerogel;
emitting monochromatic X-rays from the target, producing differentiable contrasts at the wavelength of the X-rays used than the body being imaged.