Various systems are provided for a cathode of an X-ray imaging system. In one example, a shield assembly for a cathode comprises a first shield part and a second shield part, the first shield part and the second shield part spaced apart such that the first shield part and the second shield part are not in direct physical contact.

Various systems are provided for a cathode of an X-ray imaging system. In one example, a shield assembly for a cathode comprises a first shield part and a second shield part, the first shield part and the second shield part spaced apart such that the first shield part and the second shield part are not in direct physical contact.

An x-ray source for use in Phase Contrast Imaging is disclosed. In particular, the x-ray source includes a cathode array of individually controlled field-emission electron guns. The field emission guns include very small diameter tips capable of producing a narrow beam of electrons. Beams emitted from the cathode array are accelerated through an acceleration cavity and are directed to a transmission type anode, impinging on the anode to create a small spot size, typically less than five micrometers. The individually controllable electron guns can be selectively activated in patterns, which can be advantageously used in Phase Contrast Imaging.

An X-ray source for ionizing of gases includes a field emission tip array within a vacuum region enclosed by a hood and a part of a support plate. The field emission tip array is arranged electrically insulated with respect to the carrier plate and wired as a cathode connected to a high-voltage source. A transmission window transparent to X-ray radiation is arranged in the hood centrally above the field emission tip array, and the hood is wired as an anode.

An X-ray source for ionizing of gases includes a field emission tip array within a vacuum region enclosed by a hood and a part of a support plate. The field emission tip array is arranged electrically insulated with respect to the carrier plate and wired as a cathode connected to a high-voltage source. A transmission window transparent to X-ray radiation is arranged in the hood centrally above the field emission tip array, and the hood is wired as an anode.

A support structure for a membrane comprises a plurality of support members and at least one flange, including: (a) a first set of spoke-like support members that extend generally from at least one flange toward a common hub and that have a distal end joined to at least one flange and a proximal end joined to the common hub; and (b) at least one subsequent set of spoke-like support members that are distributed between circumferentially adjacent pairs of spoke-like support members from the prior sets and that extend generally from at least one flange toward the hub, each having a distal end joined to at least one flange and a proximal end connected to the nearest circumferentially adjacent pair of spoke-like support members from the prior sets via a pair of approximately straight anchoring support members which join together and form an angular joint at or near said proximal end, with the vertex of said angular joint pointing generally away from the hub.

A support structure for a membrane comprises a plurality of support members and at least one flange, including: (a) a first set of spoke-like support members that extend generally from at least one flange toward a common hub and that have a distal end joined to at least one flange and a proximal end joined to the common hub; and (b) at least one subsequent set of spoke-like support members that are distributed between circumferentially adjacent pairs of spoke-like support members from the prior sets and that extend generally from at least one flange toward the hub, each having a distal end joined to at least one flange and a proximal end connected to the nearest circumferentially adjacent pair of spoke-like support members from the prior sets via a pair of approximately straight anchoring support members which join together and form an angular joint at or near said proximal end, with the vertex of said angular joint pointing generally away from the hub.

Technology is described for steep angle of a focal track of an anode of an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode includes a disc-shaped anode and a focal track. The disc-shaped anode includes a bearing-facing surface, a window-facing surface positioned opposite the bearing-facing surface, and a focal track positioned between the window-facing surface and the bearing-facing surface, wherein the focal track is angled with respect to the window-facing surface, and the angle between the focal track and the window-facing surface is between 45 and 89.

Provided are an X-ray tube device and an X-ray CT apparatus, which are capable of improving cooling efficiency of a stator coil together with cooling efficiency of an X-ray window.

An X-ray tube device includes an X-ray tube including an envelope that holds, in a vacuum, a cathode generating an electron beam and an anode emitting an X-ray by collision of the electron beam, and an X-ray window through which the X-ray is transmitted; a stator coil configured to generate a driving force for rotating the anode; a tube container configured to accommodate the X-ray tube and the stator coil together with insulating oil; and a cooler configured to cool the insulating oil, in which the X-ray tube device further includes a first inflow port connected to a pipe linking the tube container and the cooler and disposed near the X-ray window, a second inflow port connected to the pipe and disposed near the stator coil, and a controller configured to cause the insulating oil to flow into the tube container through the first inflow port in a case where the X-ray is emitted and to cause the insulating oil to flow into the tube container through the second inflow port in a case where the X-ray is not emitted.

Provided are an X-ray tube device and an X-ray CT apparatus, which are capable of improving cooling efficiency of a stator coil together with cooling efficiency of an X-ray window.

An X-ray tube device includes an X-ray tube including an envelope that holds, in a vacuum, a cathode generating an electron beam and an anode emitting an X-ray by collision of the electron beam, and an X-ray window through which the X-ray is transmitted; a stator coil configured to generate a driving force for rotating the anode; a tube container configured to accommodate the X-ray tube and the stator coil together with insulating oil; and a cooler configured to cool the insulating oil, in which the X-ray tube device further includes a first inflow port connected to a pipe linking the tube container and the cooler and disposed near the X-ray window, a second inflow port connected to the pipe and disposed near the stator coil, and a controller configured to cause the insulating oil to flow into the tube container through the first inflow port in a case where the X-ray is emitted and to cause the insulating oil to flow into the tube container through the second inflow port in a case where the X-ray is not emitted.