An embodiment of an X-ray tube is described that comprises an outer cylinder; a window positioned on an end of the outer cylinder; an electron gun comprising an emission orifice, wherein the electron gun is coupled to a side of the outer cylinder at an angle that orients the emission orifice toward the window; and a rod centrally positioned within the outer cylinder, wherein the rod comprises a concave geometry at a distal end proximal to the electron gun and a target surface configured at an angle that orients the target surface towards the emission orifice, wherein the concave geometry is configured to position the target surface to have a focal spot size of an electron beam from the emission orifice in range of about 2-6 m.

An X-ray generation device includes: a housing; an electron gun including an electron-emitting unit that emits an electron inside the housing, and an extraction electrode for extracting the electron emitted from the electron-emitting unit; a target that generates an X-ray upon an incidence of the electron inside the housing; a window member that seals an opening of the housing and that transmits the X-ray; and a tube voltage application unit that applies a tube voltage between the electron-emitting unit and the target. A thickness of the target has a distribution, and the target is disposed to be inclined with respect to an imaginary plane orthogonal to an axis of the electron gun.

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).

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).

According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes a cathode, an anode, a cathode hood, a first X-ray transmission window, an envelope, and a first restraining member. A second side surface of the first restraining member has a contact surface that is pressed against an inner wall surface in a first hole of the cathode hood. The first X-ray transmission window is maintained in a state of being restrained to an overlap space of a first bottom surface in the first hole by the first restraining member.

According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes a cathode, an anode, a cathode hood, a first X-ray transmission window, an envelope, and a first restraining member. A second side surface of the first restraining member has a contact surface that is pressed against an inner wall surface in a first hole of the cathode hood. The first X-ray transmission window is maintained in a state of being restrained to an overlap space of a first bottom surface in the first hole by the first restraining member.

A method of generating X-ray emission, and a system for generating X-ray emission are provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a beam of free electrons using an electron source; directing the beam of free electrons onto a crystalline material having a periodic material structure; generating X-ray emission as a result of the interaction between the free electrons and the crystalline material; and extracting a portion of the X-ray emission for providing an X-ray beam having a selected photon energy; wherein the selected photon energy is tunable by controlling, at least, a tilt angle of the crystalline material relative to the beam of free electrons.

A method of generating X-ray emission, and a system for generating X-ray emission are provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a beam of free electrons using an electron source; directing the beam of free electrons onto a crystalline material having a periodic material structure; generating X-ray emission as a result of the interaction between the free electrons and the crystalline material; and extracting a portion of the X-ray emission for providing an X-ray beam having a selected photon energy; wherein the selected photon energy is tunable by controlling, at least, a tilt angle of the crystalline material relative to the beam of free electrons.

A collimator for an x-ray tube can be a monolithic, integral structure. The collimator can include a proximal-end closest to a cathode and a distal-end farthest from the cathode. The proximal-end can adjoin a vacuum inside of the x-ray tube. The distal-end can adjoin the air. The collimator can include an aperture extending therethrough. An x-ray window can be mounted across the aperture. The aperture can include a collimation-region between the x-ray window and the distal-end, and a drift-region between the x-ray window and the proximal-end. X-rays can be generated inside of the collimator.

A collimator for an x-ray tube can be a monolithic, integral structure. The collimator can include a proximal-end closest to a cathode and a distal-end farthest from the cathode. The proximal-end can adjoin a vacuum inside of the x-ray tube. The distal-end can adjoin the air. The collimator can include an aperture extending therethrough. An x-ray window can be mounted across the aperture. The aperture can include a collimation-region between the x-ray window and the distal-end, and a drift-region between the x-ray window and the proximal-end. X-rays can be generated inside of the collimator.