In various embodiments, a multi-layer X-ray source target is provided having two or more layers of target material at different depths and different thicknesses. In one such embodiment the X-ray generating layers increase in thickness in relationship to their depth relative to the electron beam facing surface of the source target, such that X-ray generating layer further from this surface are thick than X-ray generating layers closer to the electron beam facing surface.

Improved heat transfer from an x-ray tube can be accomplished with a heatsink surrounding at least part of an x-ray tube. The heatsink can be electrically connected to an anode of the x-ray tube and can be an electrical current path. The heatsink can include a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the x-ray tube and can be a single, integral substance extending from an inner-surface of the heatsink to a distal-end of the protrusions.

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 compact source for high brightness x-ray generation is disclosed. The higher brightness is achieved through electron beam bombardment of multiple regions aligned with each other to achieve a linear accumulation of x-rays. This may be achieved by aligning discrete x-ray sub-sources, or through the use of x-ray targets that comprise microstructures of x-ray generating materials fabricated in close thermal contact with a substrate with high thermal conductivity. This allows heat to be more efficiently drawn out of the x-ray generating material, and in turn allows bombardment of the x-ray generating material with higher electron density and/or higher energy electrons, leading to greater x-ray brightness. The orientation of the microstructures allows the use of an on-axis collection angle, allowing the accumulation of x-rays from several microstructures to be aligned to appear to have a single origin, also known as zero-angle x-ray radiation.

An electron gun device, in particular for an X-ray tube, includes a metallic first electrode having a first electrode contact surface; a metallic second electrode having a second electrode contact surface; and a ring-shaped ceramic insulator having a first insulator contact surface on a first side with respect to an axial direction of the insulator and a second insulator contact surface on an opposite second side with respect to the axial direction. In an assembled state, the first insulator contact surface faces the first electrode contact surface and is connected to the first electrode contact surface via a first brazing joint, and the second insulator contact surface faces the second electrode contact surface and is connected to the second electrode contact surface via a second brazing joint.

An X-ray tube housing is disclosed that has oil channels integrated (e.g., built into) the X-ray tube housing that accommodate a flow of oil through interior spaces of the X-ray tube housing. A first oil channel from a mid-casing portion of the X-ray tube housing to a pump housing inlet is built into the mid-casing portion, and a second oil channel from a pump housing outlet to a heat exchanger located in an anode-side casing is built into the anode-side casing. The integrated oil channels reduce a number of sealing joints, which reduces the opportunities for leaks, and allows an X-ray tube assembly to be assembled with fewer parts.

An anode for an X-ray tube is provided to reduce the incidence of off-focus x-ray emissions from the anode. The anode has a rotating component, a body operably connected to the rotating component and adapted to rotate in conjunction with the rotating component, and at least one emissive material track defined on the body wherein the at least one emissive material track has a first width, and wherein the first width is less than or equal to twice a second width of a focal spot track on the body. Further, to enhance the reduction in the off-focus x-ray emission, the emissive material track is formed of a material having a first atomic number and the body is formed of a material having a second atomic number with a ratio of the first atomic number to the second atomic number being at least 6.