An X-ray generation device includes a cathode including an electron source generating an electron beam, an anode including a target to transmit an X-ray generated by collision of the electron beam, and a convergence electrode converging the electron beam toward the target. The target has a first region having a locally small thickness and a second region having a larger thickness than the first region. The X-ray generation device further includes a deflection unit to switch an incident position of the electron beam between the first region and the second region. The deflection unit has an adjustment mode to adjust an X-ray focal spot diameter and an X-ray generation mode to generate an X-ray, the electron beam is caused to enter the first region in the adjustment mode, and the electron beam is caused to enter the second region in the X-ray generation mode.

A distributed X-ray light source comprises: a plurality of arranged cathode assemblies used for emitting electron beams; an anode target used for receiving the electron beams emitted by the cathode assemblies; and compensation electrodes and focusing electrodes provided in sequence between the plurality of the cathode assemblies and the anode target, the compensation electrode being used for adjusting electric field strength at two ends of a grid structure in each cathode assembly, and the focusing electrode being used for focusing the electron beams emitted by the cathode assemblies, wherein the focusing electrode corresponding to at least one cathode assembly in the plurality of the cathode assemblies comprises a first electrode and a second electrode which are separately provided, and an electron beam channel is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A method for imaging a sample by means of an X-ray detector is disclosed, including providing an electron beam interacting with a target to generate X-ray radiation emitted from an X-ray spot on the target, moving the sample relative to the target, deflecting the electron beam such that the X-ray spot is moved over the target simultaneously and in accordance with the movement of the sample, and detecting X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray spot and interacting with the sample.

A method for imaging a sample by means of an X-ray detector is disclosed, including providing an electron beam interacting with a target to generate X-ray radiation emitted from an X-ray spot on the target, moving the sample relative to the target, deflecting the electron beam such that the X-ray spot is moved over the target simultaneously and in accordance with the movement of the sample, and detecting X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray spot and interacting with the sample.

A radiation therapy device includes an electron beam source (EBS) for generating an electron beam and a steering device for directing the electron beam. A target is disposed a predetermined distance from the EBS and is positioned to intercept the electron beam. The target element generates x-ray photons upon the impact of electrons with the target. A focusing lens is coupled to and spaced from the target by no more than 10 mm, and is positioned to receive x-ray photons generated by the target. The focusing lens focuses the x-ray photons to a focal point. The radiation therapy device can also include targets configured to generate x-ray beams for tomosynthesis. A method for performing radiation therapy is also disclosed.

A radiation therapy device includes an electron beam source (EBS) for generating an electron beam and a steering device for directing the electron beam. A target is disposed a predetermined distance from the EBS and is positioned to intercept the electron beam. The target element generates x-ray photons upon the impact of electrons with the target. A focusing lens is coupled to and spaced from the target by no more than 10 mm, and is positioned to receive x-ray photons generated by the target. The focusing lens focuses the x-ray photons to a focal point. The radiation therapy device can also include targets configured to generate x-ray beams for tomosynthesis. A method for performing radiation therapy is also disclosed.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for electromagnetic x-ray control. The apparatus comprises a thermionic filament, positioned at a first end of a micro-focus x-ray tube and configured to generate an electron stream. The apparatus also comprises an x-ray generation target, positioned within the micro-focus x-ray tube at a second end of the micro-focus x-ray tube, opposite the first end, to receive the electron stream and to generate x-rays in response to the electron stream impinging on the x-ray generation target. The apparatus further comprises an electromagnetic field element, configured to generate an electromagnetic field that receives the electron stream and operable to vary the electromagnetic field to redirect the electron stream, within the micro-focus x-ray tube, to impinge on the x-ray generation target at variable locations on the x-ray generation target. Each one of the variable locations corresponds to a different one of multiple variations of the electromagnetic field.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for electromagnetic x-ray control. The apparatus comprises a thermionic filament, positioned at a first end of a micro-focus x-ray tube and configured to generate an electron stream. The apparatus also comprises an x-ray generation target, positioned within the micro-focus x-ray tube at a second end of the micro-focus x-ray tube, opposite the first end, to receive the electron stream and to generate x-rays in response to the electron stream impinging on the x-ray generation target. The apparatus further comprises an electromagnetic field element, configured to generate an electromagnetic field that receives the electron stream and operable to vary the electromagnetic field to redirect the electron stream, within the micro-focus x-ray tube, to impinge on the x-ray generation target at variable locations on the x-ray generation target. Each one of the variable locations corresponds to a different one of multiple variations of the electromagnetic field.

A radiotherapy system includes an X-ray target configured to convert an incident electron beam into a therapeutic X-ray beam, a purging magnet configured to redirect unwanted particles emitted from the X-ray target away from the therapeutic X-ray beam, and a particle collector configured to absorb the unwanted particles subsequent to redirection by the purging magnet. The particle collector may be configured to dissipate at least 50% of the energy of the incident electron beam.

A portable x-ray imaging source (100) capable of motion-free x-ray tomosynthesis, wherein said source is suitable for dental and small body-part/small area imaging.