An object of the invention is to provide an X-ray generator having a simple configuration where heat generated in the irradiation window can be prevented from conducting to a desired portion in accordance with the purpose of use, the method of use or the structure of the X-ray tube. In an X-ray generator for releasing X-rays generated by irradiating a target placed in a vacuumed atmosphere within an X-ray tube with an electron beam from an electron source through an irradiation window of the X-ray tube, the irradiation window has thermal anisotropy where the thermal conductivity is different between the direction in which the irradiation window spreads and the direction of the thickness of the irradiation window, and therefore, the thermal conductivity in the direction in which the heat from the irradiation window is desired not to conduct is made relatively smaller.

A radiation generating apparatus includes: an envelope 1 having a first window 2 through which a radiation is transmitted; and a radiation tube 10 being held within the envelope 1, and having a second window 15 which is arranged in opposition to the first window 2, and through which the radiation is transmitted; and a radiation shielding member 16 thermally connected to the second window 15, having a radiation transmitting hole 21 arranged in communication with the second window 15, and having a protruding portion protruding from the second window 15 toward the first window 2. A thermally conductive member 17 having a higher thermal conductivity rather than that of the radiation shielding member 16 is connected to the protruding portion of the radiation shielding member 16. The radiation generating apparatus can shield an unnecessary radiation and cool a target with a simple structure and is entirely reduced in weight.

An x-ray tube (100) includes a support structure (114) defining an opening therethrough. A concave x-ray transmission window (116) is sealed to the support structure (114) and covers the opening. The support structure (114) and the x-ray transmission window (116) contain a vacuum. A filament (124) emits electrons (126) upon application of a sufficient potential difference between the filament (124) and the x-ray transmission window (116). A target (118) is disposed the x-ray transmission window (116). The target (118) generates x-rays (128) as when impacted by electrons (126). The x-rays (128) are transmitted through the x-ray transmission window (116).

A lightweight X-ray tube assembly and X-ray CT equipment having the same. The X-ray tube assembly includes an X-ray tube and a tube housing. The X-ray tube includes: a cathode for generating an electron beam; an anode for radiating X rays by collision of the electron beam; an envelope for holding the cathode and the anode in a vacuum atmosphere; and an X-ray window provided in the envelope to irradiate some of X rays radiated from the anode toward a test subject. The tube housing encapsulates the X-ray tube together with an insulating oil. The X-ray tube assembly further includes a protective member that is provided at least around the X-ray window on an outer wall of the envelope and shields the X rays.

In some embodiments, a system may include an X-ray tube assembly having an anode disk assembly. The system may include a motor configured to rotate the anode disk assembly. The system may include one or more pumps configured to draw a vacuum in the X-ray tube assembly. The system may include a cooling system configured to cool the anode disk assembly. In some embodiments, a method may include drawing a vacuum in an X-ray tube assembly with one or more pumps. The method may include rotating an anode disk assembly of the X-ray tube assembly. The method may include cooling the anode disk assembly with a cooling system. The method may include activating a power supply to produce an electron beam. The electron beam may interact with an X-ray generating layer of the anode disk assembly to produce an X-ray beam oriented to impinge on a sample.