The rotatable anode of a rotating anode X-ray source has demanding requirements placed upon it. For example, it may rotate at a frequency as high as 200 Hz. X-ray emission is stimulated by applying a large voltage to the cathode, causing electrons to collide with the focal track. The focal spot generated at the electron impact position may have a peak temperature between 2000° C. and 3000° C. The constant rotation of the rotating anode protects the focal track to some extent, however the average temperature of the focal track immediately following a CT acquisition protocol may still be around 1500° C. Therefore, demanding requirements are placed upon the design of the rotating anode. The present application proposes a multi-layer coating for the target region of a rotating X-ray anode which improves mechanical resilience and thermal resilience, whilst reducing the amount of expensive refractory metals required.

A rotary X-ray anode has a support body and a focal track formed on the support body. The support body and the focal track are produced as a composite by powder metallurgy. The support body is formed from molybdenum or a molybdenum-based alloy and the focal track is formed from tungsten or a tungsten-based alloy. Here, in the conclusively heat-treated rotary X-ray anode, at least one portion of the focal track is located in a non-recrystallized and/or in a partially recrystallized structure.

A target assembly for generating radiation may comprise a target, a substrate and a window. The target may be capable of generating first radiation when impinged by a beam. The window may be at least partially permeable to the beam. The window and the substrate may form at least part of a hermetically sealed chamber and the target may be positioned in the chamber. The chamber may be filled with air having a normal or reduced content of oxygen.

Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray tube conditioning for a computed tomography imaging method. In one embodiment, x-ray may be generated in an x-ray tube of a radiation source prior to a diagnostic scan to warmup the x-ray tube to a desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. The power delivered to the x-ray tube during warmup may be adjusted in a closed loop system based on an initial temperature of the x-ray tube and the desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. During tube warmup, by placing a blocking plate coupled to a collimator blade in a path of the x-ray beam, the x-ray beam may be blocked from exiting a collimator.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, an x-ray tube of the imaging system includes a rotor with a core forming a continuous unit with at least one of a retention sleeve and a bearing assembly sleeve. The rotor further includes one or more magnets disposed in the core and maintained in place by the retention sleeve.

An X-ray generating apparatus includes an electron gun, a target configured to generate X-rays by being irradiated with an electron beam emitted from the electron gun, and a controller configured to control a first mode for thinning the target by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a first current range and a second mode for generating X-rays by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a second current range. The first current range has a lower limit larger than an upper limit of the second current range.

An X-ray generating apparatus includes an electron gun, a target configured to generate X-rays by being irradiated with an electron beam emitted from the electron gun, and a controller configured to control a first mode for thinning the target by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a first current range and a second mode for generating X-rays by irradiating the target with an electron beam with a current adjusted within a second current range. The first current range has a lower limit larger than an upper limit of the second current range.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, an x-ray tube of the imaging system includes a rotor with a core forming a continuous unit with at least one of a retention sleeve and a bearing assembly sleeve. The rotor further includes one or more magnets disposed in the core and maintained in place by the retention sleeve.

Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray tube conditioning for a computed tomography imaging method. In one embodiment, x-ray may be generated in an x-ray tube of a radiation source prior to a diagnostic scan to warmup the x-ray tube to a desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. The power delivered to the x-ray tube during warmup may be adjusted in a closed loop system based on an initial temperature of the x-ray tube and the desired temperature for the diagnostic scan. During tube warmup, by placing a blocking plate coupled to a collimator blade in a path of the x-ray beam, the x-ray beam may be blocked from exiting a collimator.

A high dose output, through transmission and reflective target x-ray tube and methods of use includes, in general an x-ray tube for accelerating electrons under a high voltage potential having an evacuated high voltage housing, a hemispherical shaped through and reflective transmission target anode disposed in said housing, a cathode structure to deflect the electrons toward the hemispherical anode disposed in said housing, a filament located in the geometric center of the anode hemisphere disposed in said housing, a power supply connected to said cathode to provide accelerating voltage to the electrons.