A cooling system used in an X-ray generator having a cathode and anode that includes a target having a focal spot, wherein heat is generated in the anode and focal spot during operation of the X-ray generator. The system includes a heat transfer element attached to the anode wherein the heat transfer element includes a plurality of fin elements that transfer heat from the anode to surrounding air to cool the anode. The system also includes a liquid channel formed in the anode, wherein the liquid channel includes a cooling liquid. The liquid channel is located adjacent the target wherein heat from the focal spot is transferred to the cooling liquid to cool the focal spot wherein the heat transfer element, liquid channel and anode are unistructurally formed. Further, the cooling system includes a circulation pump that moves the cooling liquid in the liquid channel.

A cooling system used in an X-ray generator having a cathode and anode that includes a target having a focal spot, wherein heat is generated in the anode and focal spot during operation of the X-ray generator. The system includes a heat transfer element attached to the anode wherein the heat transfer element includes a plurality of fin elements that transfer heat from the anode to surrounding air to cool the anode. The system also includes a liquid channel formed in the anode, wherein the liquid channel includes a cooling liquid. The liquid channel is located adjacent the target wherein heat from the focal spot is transferred to the cooling liquid to cool the focal spot wherein the heat transfer element, liquid channel and anode are unistructurally formed. Further, the cooling system includes a circulation pump that moves the cooling liquid in the liquid channel.

A vacuum tube insert assembly includes a flared insert piece having an annular flange and a stem each constructed of glass. The stem extends axially from the flange. The flange surrounds a perimeter edge of a plug concavity defined by the stem. Feed-through pins pass axially through the stem and are sealed thereto. The pins terminate inside of the concavity to form a plug. A socket connects to the plug within the concavity and includes receptacles that removably couple to the pins, with an engagement feature preventing erroneous plug and socket connections. A method includes axially inserting the pins through the stem at a fixed relative position such that the pins are arranged within the plug concavity, sealing the stem such that the stem is vacuum-sealed to the pins, thereby forming the plug, and removably coupling mating receptacles of the socket to the pins.

An alumina-ceramic-based electrical insulator, to a method for producing the insulator, and to a vacuum tube includes the insulator. The electrical insulator is for insulating two electrodes of a vacuum tube through which a charged particle beam flows, the electrical insulator being formed of an alumina-based ceramic. The ceramic comprises a vitreous phase of between 2% and 8% by weight into which at least one metal oxide is diffused from a face of the electrical insulator.

An alumina-ceramic-based electrical insulator, to a method for producing the insulator, and to a vacuum tube includes the insulator. The electrical insulator is for insulating two electrodes of a vacuum tube through which a charged particle beam flows, the electrical insulator being formed of an alumina-based ceramic. The ceramic comprises a vitreous phase of between 2% and 8% by weight into which at least one metal oxide is diffused from a face of the electrical insulator.

X-ray target element is comprised of a planar wafer. The planar wafer element includes a target layer and a substrate layer. The target layer is comprised of an element having a relatively high atomic number and the substrate layer is comprised of diamond. The substrate layer is configured to support the target layer and facilitate transfer of thermal energy away from the target layer.

X-ray target element is comprised of a planar wafer. The planar wafer element includes a target layer and a substrate layer. The target layer is comprised of an element having a relatively high atomic number and the substrate layer is comprised of diamond. The substrate layer is configured to support the target layer and facilitate transfer of thermal energy away from the target layer.

A monolithic housing for an x-ray source can wrap at least partially around a power supply and an x-ray tube. The monolithic housing can include Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Si, Sr, Zn, or combinations thereof. Mg can be a major component of the monolithic housing. The monolithic housing can be formed by injection molding. The monolithic housing can provide one or more of the following advantages: (a) light weight (for easier transport), (b) high electrical conductivity (to protect the user from electrical shock), (c) high thermal conductivity (to remove heat generated during use), (d) corrosion resistance, (e) high strength, and (f) high electromagnetic interference shielding (to shield power supply components from external noise, to shield other electronic components from power supply noise, or both).

A monolithic housing for an x-ray source can wrap at least partially around a power supply and an x-ray tube. The monolithic housing can include Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Si, Sr, Zn, or combinations thereof. Mg can be a major component of the monolithic housing. The monolithic housing can be formed by injection molding. The monolithic housing can provide one or more of the following advantages: (a) light weight (for easier transport), (b) high electrical conductivity (to protect the user from electrical shock), (c) high thermal conductivity (to remove heat generated during use), (d) corrosion resistance, (e) high strength, and (f) high electromagnetic interference shielding (to shield power supply components from external noise, to shield other electronic components from power supply noise, or both).

An x-ray generating unit includes an x-ray tube that is substantially transparent to x-rays. A cathode is within the x-ray tube and defines a plurality of spaced apart cavities. An anode includes a material that emits x-rays when impacted by electrons. A plurality of filaments is each disposed in a different one of the cavities. Each of the filaments is electrically coupled to each other and to an activating voltage source in parallel. Each of the filaments emits a focused electron beam directed to a different predetermined spot on the anode upon application of a predetermined voltage between the cathode and the anode, thereby causing the anode to generate x-rays. Each of the plurality of spaced apart cavities is aimed at the anode so that each predetermined spot on the anode is separated from each other spot by a gap that is not impacted by an electron beam.