A multiple X-ray beam X-ray source includes an anode structure and a cathode structure. The anode structure includes a plurality of liquid metal jets providing a plurality of focal lines. The cathode structure provides an electron beam structure that provides a sub e-beam to each liquid metal jet. The liquid metal jets are each hit by the sub e-beam along an electron-impinging portion of the jet circumferential surface that is smaller than half of the circumference of a cross-section of the liquid metal jet.

An X-ray module includes a housing in which an opening portion is formed; an electron gun that emits an electron beam; a target that transmits an X-ray generated when the electron beam is incident on the target and emits the X-ray from an X-ray-emitting surface; an X-ray-emitting window that seals the opening portion, and that transmits the X-ray and emits the X-ray to a first side in an axial direction; and a heat radiating unit disposed outside the housing. The housing includes a surface on which a protrusion protruding to the first side is formed, the opening portion is formed in the protrusion, and the target is disposed in the opening portion. The heat radiating unit includes a first portion extending along the surface and thermally connected to the surface, and a second portion extending from the first portion to a second side opposite the first side.

An X-ray tube with an anode assembly and specially designed heat transfer element is described. The anode assembly includes an X-ray producing target and a substantially cylindrical electrode that stops or inhibits electrons that may back-scatter from the target. At least one heat transfer element is positioned proximate the anode assembly and in the region between a conducting enclosure and a non-conducting hollow housing or tube. The heat transfer element is positioned to thermally couple the hot anode assembly to an air-cooled conducting enclosure while maintaining an electric isolation.

An X-ray tube with an anode assembly and specially designed heat transfer element is described. The anode assembly includes an X-ray producing target and a substantially cylindrical electrode that stops or inhibits electrons that may back-scatter from the target. At least one heat transfer element is positioned proximate the anode assembly and in the region between a conducting enclosure and a non-conducting hollow housing or tube. The heat transfer element is positioned to thermally couple the hot anode assembly to an air-cooled conducting enclosure while maintaining an electric isolation.

An on-chip miniature X-ray source, comprising: an on-chip miniature electron source (10); a first insulating spacer (11) located on one side of the on-chip miniature electron source (10) emitting electrons, the first insulating spacer (11) being of a cavity structure; and an anode (12) located on the first insulating spacer (11), a closed vacuum cavity being formed between the on-chip miniature electron source (10) and the anode (12). The on-chip miniature electron source can be obtained by means of a micromachining technique, further reducing the size thereof, and reducing the manufacturing costs. The on-chip miniature X-ray source has the advantages of stable X-ray dose, low operation vacuum requirement, fast switch response, integrated and mass processing, etc. and can be used in various types of small and portable X-ray detection, analysis and treatment devices.

An on-chip miniature X-ray source, comprising: an on-chip miniature electron source (10); a first insulating spacer (11) located on one side of the on-chip miniature electron source (10) emitting electrons, the first insulating spacer (11) being of a cavity structure; and an anode (12) located on the first insulating spacer (11), a closed vacuum cavity being formed between the on-chip miniature electron source (10) and the anode (12). The on-chip miniature electron source can be obtained by means of a micromachining technique, further reducing the size thereof, and reducing the manufacturing costs. The on-chip miniature X-ray source has the advantages of stable X-ray dose, low operation vacuum requirement, fast switch response, integrated and mass processing, etc. and can be used in various types of small and portable X-ray detection, analysis and treatment devices.

A system for generating X-ray beams from a liquid target includes a vacuum chamber, a diamond window assembly, an electron source, a target material flow system, and an X-ray detector/imager. An electron beam from the electron source travels through the diamond window assembly and into a dynamic target material of the flow system. Preferably, the dynamic target material is lead bismuth eutectic in a liquid state. Upon colliding with the dynamic target material, X-rays are generated. The generated X-rays exit through an X-ray exit window to be captured by the X-ray detector/imager. Since the dynamic target material is constantly in fluid motion within a pipeline of the flow system, the electron beam always has a new target area which is at a controlled operational temperature and thus, prevents overheating issues. By providing a small focus area for the electron beams, the overall imaging resolution of the X-rays is also improved.

Some embodiments include a system, comprising: a plurality of x-ray sources, each x-ray source including: an electron source configured to generate an electron beam; and a target configured to receive the electron beam and convert the electron beam into an x-ray beam; wherein: at first x-ray source of the x-ray sources is different from a second x-ray source of the x-ray sources; and the targets of the x-ray sources are part of a linear target.

Some embodiments include a system, comprising: a plurality of x-ray sources, each x-ray source including: an electron source configured to generate an electron beam; and a target configured to receive the electron beam and convert the electron beam into an x-ray beam; wherein: at first x-ray source of the x-ray sources is different from a second x-ray source of the x-ray sources; and the targets of the x-ray sources are part of a linear target.

A system, comprising: a vacuum enclosure; an anode support structure penetrating the vacuum enclosure and including a plurality of first cooling passages; and an anode disposed within the vacuum enclosure, coupled to and supported by the anode support structure, and including: a target; and a plurality of second cooling passages; wherein: each of the second cooling passages is coupled to a corresponding first cooling passage; and the anode is coupled to the anode support structure on a side of the anode different from a side of the anode including the target and different from axial ends of the anode on a major axis of the anode