According to one embodiment, an X-ray system includes an X-ray tube including a filament in which a filament current according to a tube current flows, a filament current monitoring unit monitoring the filament current, a tube current monitoring unit monitoring the tube current, and an inspection unit determining whether the tube current falls within a predetermined set range in X-ray emission.

Sterilization device, in particular for sterilization of packaging material, comprising a first chamber, a barrier element and a connection area. The first chamber is adapted to provide charge carriers for sterilization, and the connection area is connected to a third chamber so that the barrier element forms at least one part of the boundary of a volume in which a first atmosphere exists.

The present invention relates to a method for prolonging lifetime of a triod electron beam source when forming a three-dimensional article through successively depositing individual layers of powder material that are fused together so as to form the article, the method comprising the steps of: adjusting a cathode heating power at a predetermined value above a threshold heating value, which threshold heating value creates a predetermined X-ray signal emanating from the triod electron beam source, fusing the three-dimensional article with the electron beam source having the cathode heating power at a predetermined value above a threshold heating value.

Sterilization device, in particular for sterilization of packaging material, comprising a first chamber, a barrier element and a connection area. The first chamber is adapted to provide charge carriers for sterilization, and the connection area is connected to a third chamber so that the barrier element forms at least one part of the boundary of a volume in which a first atmosphere exists.

Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing packaging containers, the sterilization apparatus comprising a first carousel for supporting a plurality of sterilization devices, the sterilization devices being adapted to sterilize an interior of the packaging containers by electron beam irradiation, and a transport system for transporting the packaging containers, the transport system comprising a second carousel coaxial with the first carousel, wherein the first carousel comprises a first rotatable shaft and the second carousel comprises a separate second rotatable shaft coaxial with the first rotatable shaft.

Systems, devices, and techniques for heating a sample are described. A heating assembly can include a membrane. The membrane can include carbon nanotube material. The heating assembly includes a support, mechanically coupled with the membrane. The support can be configured to integrate with a charged particle beam system. The heating assembly also includes a heating circuit, electrically coupled with the membrane. The heating circuit can be configured to direct an electrical current through the membrane.