A rotary x-ray anode with an integrated liquid metal bearing outer shell has an anode disc made of Mo or a Mo-based alloy formed with a hole, which is formed centrally in the region of the axis of rotation and extends in the axial direction at least through part of the anode disc, and a bearing bushing made of Mo or a Mo-based alloy. The bearing bushing is connected to the anode disc via a material bond and its inner wall extends the hole in the anode disc. At least an axial portion of an inner wall of the hole in the anode disc and at least an axial portion of an inner wall of the bearing bushing are formed circumferentially as a liquid metal bearing running surface and they form at least a part of a liquid metal bearing outer shell. There is also described a corresponding production method.

Technology is described for a magnetic lift device for an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode assembly includes an anode, a bearing assembly, a ferromagnetic shaft, and a lift electromagnet. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by a cathode. The bearing assembly is configured to stabilize the anode during a rotation of the anode. The ferromagnetic shaft is coupled to the anode and has an axis of rotation that is substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the ferromagnetic shaft in a radial direction.

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.

The disclosure relates to a rotating-anode bearing for an X-ray tube comprising a rotor shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first axial end to a second axial end and supported to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis; wherein the rotor shaft has an anode holder in the area of the first axial end; and the anode holder comprises a flange which has a larger diameter than at least an adjacent section of the rotor shaft. The rotating-anode bearing according to the disclosure wherein the rotor shaft together with the flange is made as an integrally forged part.

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.

Technology is described for a magnetic lift device for an x-ray tube. In one example, an anode assembly includes an anode, a bearing assembly, a ferromagnetic shaft, and a lift electromagnet. The anode is configured to receive electrons emitted by a cathode. The bearing assembly is configured to stabilize the anode during a rotation of the anode. The ferromagnetic shaft is coupled to the anode and has an axis of rotation that is substantially collinear with an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the ferromagnetic shaft in a radial direction.

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.

In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray source. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to an anode and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a coupling portion extending between an interior of a vacuum envelope and an exterior of the vacuum envelope and a winding portion coupled to the coupling portion. Windings may at least partially surround the winding portion.

The disclosure relates to a rotating-anode bearing for an X-ray tube comprising a rotor shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first axial end to a second axial end and supported to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis; wherein the rotor shaft has an anode holder in the area of the first axial end; and the anode holder comprises a flange which has a larger diameter than at least an adjacent section of the rotor shaft.

The rotating-anode bearing according to the disclosure wherein the rotor shaft together with the flange is made as an integrally forged part.

In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray tube. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a first pole and a second pole oriented towards the lift shaft. Windings may be positioned around the first pole. The lift assembly may include a heat dissipating structure.