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.

Integrated backscatter X-ray assemblies for detecting backscatter X-rays reflected by a target area of an article under test are disclosed. The integrated backscatter X-ray assembly includes an enclosure, an X-ray power supply, an X-ray tube, a backscatter X-ray detector and a cooling fluid. The X-ray power supply disposed within the enclosure. The X-ray tube disposed within the enclosure and operatively coupled to the X-ray power supply. The backscatter X-ray detector is disposed within the enclosure. The cooling fluid disposed within the enclosure such that the X-ray power supply, the X-ray tube and the backscatter X-ray detector are immersed in the cooling fluid. In various examples, integrated backscatter X-ray assemblies may also include a movable base and/or a mobile platform. Methods for detecting backscatter X-rays reflected by a target area of an article under test are also disclosed.

The invention relates to an X-ray tube, an X-ray source and an X-ray facility. The X-ray tube may have a vacuum housing having at least one side surface, the vacuum housing comprises a cathode and an anode for generating X-rays. An acceleration path for emitted electrons is provided between the cathode and the anode via an applied high voltage. A first of the at least one side surface has a first electrically conductive housing section having a temperature dependent electrical conductivity so that an essentially linear potential curve is set along the acceleration path.