The present invention provides an X-ray source comprising: an anode electrode on which a target is formed; a tubular-shaped first housing which is made of an insulating material and at one end of which the anode electrode is provided; a tubular-shaped second housing which is made of a conductive material and one end of which is connected to the first housing; and a cathode electrode which is provided at the other end of the second housing and has an emitter formed opposite to the target.

X-ray tube assemblies having a two-piece anode structure and shaped cathode structures for delivery of X-ray emissions.

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.

A filament assembly 10 for an x-ray tube 20 can include a planar filament 11 electrically-coupled between and substantially-encircled by a pair of collector plates C1 and C2. The pair of collector plates C1 and C2 can support the planar filament 11 so that it does not twist or warp and align the filament assembly 10 within a cathode cup 33. The pair of collector plates C1 and C2 can block electrons emitted from a back side of the filament. Without the collector plates C1 and C2, back side electrons can change direction by about 180, hit the target, and distort a target electron spot. Each collector plate C1 or C2 can include holes H1 and H2. These holes H1 and H2 can aid in alignment of the collector plates C1 and C2 with electrodes 31 and electrode 32, can allow welding at a lower temperature, and can facilitate weld inspection.