The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (30) a voltage. A cathode (22) of an X-ray source (20) is positioned (220) relative to an anode (24) of the X-ray source. Electrons are emitted (230) from the cathode. Electrons emitted from the cathode interact (240) with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage. X-rays are generated (250) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. The X-ray source is controlled (260), such that a plurality of first X-ray pulses is generated each having a first X-ray flux, wherein the first X-ray pulses are temporally separated from each other. The X-ray source is controlled (270), such that a least one second X-ray pulse is generated having a second X-ray flux that is substantially less than the first X-ray flux, wherein the at least one second X-ray pulse is generated temporally between consecutive pulses of the first X-ray pulses.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging system has at least one processing unit configured to receive operator inputs that include a modified system feature and a clinical task having a task object and also receive operator inputs for determining a task-based image quality (IQ) metric. The task-based IQ metric represents a desired overall image quality of image data for performing the clinical task. The image data acquired using a reference system feature. The at least one processing unit is also configured to determine an exposure-control parameter based on the task object, the modified system feature, and the task-based IQ metric. The at least one processing unit is also configured to direct the x-ray source to generate the x-ray beam during the CT scan, wherein at least one of the tube current or the tube potential during the CT scan is a function of the exposure-control parameter.

According to an embodiment, X-ray CT apparatus includes X-ray generator includes X-ray tube, high-voltage generator, detector, controller and circuitry. High-voltage generator generates tube voltage to be applied to X-ray tube. Detector detects X-rays irradiated from X-ray tube and transmitted through a subject. Controller controls high-voltage generator to scan the subject with first radiation dose and with second radiation dose lower than first radiation dose. Circuitry generates first image based on projection data acquired by scan at first radiation dose, generates second image based on projection data acquired by scan at second radiation dose, and displays first image and second image in common window.

An X-ray tube has at least one grid electrode arranged between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. Via a focusing unit, an electron flow from the cathode electrode to the anode electrode is focused in that the focusing unit supplies the grid electrode with a first electric grid potential. The focusing unit is supplied with electrical energy in an electrically isolated manner via an energy converter. The first electric grid potential is provided via an adjustable voltage divider, and the adjustable voltage divider is adjusted via a control circuit of the focusing unit in that the control circuit is supplied with an electrically isolated control signal of a control unit. The control signal depends on a value for the first electric grid potential.

Provides is an X-ray generation device, an X-ray fluoroscopic image photographing device and a CT image photographing device; the X-ray generation device is capable of facilitating the electrical connection of terminals of an X-ray tube to terminals of a high voltage generation part, capable of preventing wiring bodies which connect these terminals from contacting with each other, and capable of preventing the wiring bodies from separating from the terminals of the X-ray tube or the terminals of the high voltage generation part. A wiring body includes a conductive bar-shaped member having stiffness and contact sockets arranged at two ends of the bar-shaped member. The sockets are fixed to the bar-shaped member using riveting parts. Each socket is electrically connected to a terminal of the high voltage generation part and a terminal of the X-ray tube which function as contact plugs.

Some embodiments include a system, comprising: a high voltage enclosure; a cathode disposed in the high voltage enclosure; an anode disposed in the high voltage enclosure; a plurality of grids disposed in the high voltage enclosure between the cathode and the anode; a voltage source configured to generate a common grid voltage; and a voltage divider disposed in the high voltage enclosure, configured to generate a plurality of grid voltages based on the common grid voltage, and configured to apply at least two of the grid voltages to the grids.

An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes a detector, and processing circuitry. The detector is configured to output, at each incidence of an X-ray photon, a signal enabling measurement of an energy value of the X-ray photon. Processing circuitry is configured to estimate an energy range to be used for imaging based on an imaging condition and to reconstruct X-ray CT image data using counting information to which an energy value within the energy range is associated among pieces of counting information that are collected from individual signals output by the detector at each incidence of an X-ray photon that has been irradiated from an X-ray tube and has passed through a subject, and in which a counting value and an energy value of X-ray photons incident to the detector are associated with each other.

An X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes a detector, and processing circuitry. The detector is configured to output, at each incidence of an X-ray photon, a signal enabling measurement of an energy value of the X-ray photon. Processing circuitry is configured to estimate an energy range to be used for imaging based on an imaging condition and to reconstruct X-ray CT image data using counting information to which an energy value within the energy range is associated among pieces of counting information that are collected from individual signals output by the detector at each incidence of an X-ray photon that has been irradiated from an X-ray tube and has passed through a subject, and in which a counting value and an energy value of X-ray photons incident to the detector are associated with each other.

Systems and methods are provided for generating X-ray pulses during X-ray imaging. A high voltage of an X-ray tube is automatically switched off. The tube voltage decays and upon reaching a predefined threshold value of the tube voltage or a predefined waiting time after switching off the high voltage, a grating voltage of a grating arranged between an emitter and an anode of the X-ray tube is automatically switched on. No electrons reach the anode from the emitter, and the tube current drops to the value zero.

The present disclosure provides a reliable X-ray generating tube that forms a focus with a stable size and shape. The X-ray generating tube includes an electron gun including an electron emitting portion, a plurality of grid electrodes, and an insulating support member that supports the plurality of grid electrodes. The electron gun includes a conductive section that hides the insulating support member to prevent the insulating support member from being directly viewed from an electron through path of electrons emitted from the electron emitting portion and passing through the grid electrodes.