The X-ray analysis apparatus contains an X-ray generation unit. The X-ray generation unit includes a target plate having a target that is irradiated with an electron beam from an electron beam source and generates X-rays, X-ray convergence optics that converges X-rays generated from the target in conjunction with a movement of the target plate, and a driving unit that changes a position of the target plate or the X-ray convergence optics relative to the electron beam source.

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.

The X-ray analysis apparatus contains an X-ray generation unit. The X-ray generation unit includes a target plate having a target that is irradiated with an electron beam from an electron beam source and generates X-rays, X-ray convergence optics that converges X-rays generated from the target in conjunction with a movement of the target plate, and a driving unit that changes a position of the target plate or the X-ray convergence optics relative to the electron beam source.

An X-ray tube including a vacuum vessel, a cathode and an anode fixedly disposed inside the vacuum vessel, and a rotary mechanism that rotates the vacuum vessel, where the cathode is disposed on the circumference with a rotary shaft of the rotary mechanism as its center and includes multiple cathode parts that can individually be turned ON/OFF, and where the anode includes parts opposite to the multiple cathode parts, respectively.

An X-ray emitter includes an anode rotatably mounted arranged inside a vacuum housing. It can be set into rotation by an electric drive. In the region of a focal spot, the anode can be exposed to an electron beam emitted by a cathode. According to an embodiment of the invention, a control unit is configured to activate an electromagnetic deflection unit that deflects the electron beam as a function of at least one operating parameter of the electric drive such that a movement of the focal spot, caused by electromagnetic fields of the electric drive, can be at least partly compensated for. An embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for compensating for a focal spot movement when X-ray emitters in operation.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, a method for decelerating a rotor of an x-ray tube of an imaging system includes controlling and/or monitoring a speed and position of the rotor, passing the rotor through a first position where a force exerted on the rotor, is less than Earth's gravitational pull, the force due to a combination of gravity and radial acceleration, and initiating a predefined deceleration profile to decelerate the rotor to a halt when the x-ray tube passes through the first position.

An X-ray emitter includes an anode rotatably mounted arranged inside a vacuum housing. It can be set into rotation by an electric drive. In the region of a focal spot, the anode can be exposed to an electron beam emitted by a cathode. According to an embodiment of the invention, a control unit is configured to activate an electromagnetic deflection unit that deflects the electron beam as a function of at least one operating parameter of the electric drive such that a movement of the focal spot, caused by electromagnetic fields of the electric drive, can be at least partly compensated for. An embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for compensating for a focal spot movement when X-ray emitters in operation.

An X-ray tube comprises a vacuum vessel; a cathode and an anode fixedly disposed inside the vacuum vessel; and a rotary mechanism that rotates the vacuum vessel. The cathode is disposed on the circumference with the rotary shaft of the rotary mechanism as its center and includes a plurality of cathode parts that can individually be turned ON/OFF. The anode includes parts opposite to the plurality of cathode parts, respectively.

Various methods and systems are provided for an x-ray imaging system. In one example, a method for decelerating a rotor of an x-ray tube of an imaging system includes controlling and/or monitoring a speed and position of the rotor, passing the rotor through a first position where a force exerted on the rotor, is less than Earth's gravitational pull, the force due to a combination of gravity and radial acceleration, and initiating a predefined deceleration profile to decelerate the rotor to a halt when the x-ray tube passes through the first position.