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.

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.

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.

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.

An X-ray generator capable of reliably reducing an X-ray focal spot size without depending on the focal spot size of an electron beam on a target. Providing, within the irradiation range of an electron beam B of a target laminated structure 3 comprising a target 2 and an X-ray irradiation window 1, a low X-ray absorptivity region 3a of localized low X-ray absorptivity in the irradiation direction of the electron beam B results in the suppression of emission to the outside of X-rays from among the X-rays generated as a result of the irradiation of the electron beam B onto the target 2 that are from regions other than the low X-ray absorptivity region 3a, and an X-ray focal spot of a size corresponding to the size of the low X-ray absorptivity region 3a is obtained regardless of the size of the irradiation region of the electron beam B.

Provided are a scanning-type X-ray source and an imaging system therefor. The scanning-type X-ray source comprises a vacuum cavity (1), wherein a cathode (2) and a plurality of anode target structures (3) are arranged in the vacuum cavity (1); a gate electrode (4) is arranged in a position, close to the cathode (2), in the vacuum cavity (1); a focusing electrode (5) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), in the vacuum cavity (1); and a deflection coil (6) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), at the outer periphery of the vacuum cavity (1). The scanning-type X-ray source generates electron beams by using cathode (2), controls the powering-on/off of the electron beams by the gate electrode (4), and the deflection coil (6) controls the direction of motion of the electron beams, so as to complete the switching between multiple focuses.

Provided are a scanning-type X-ray source and an imaging system therefor. The scanning-type X-ray source comprises a vacuum cavity (1), wherein a cathode (2) and a plurality of anode target structures (3) are arranged in the vacuum cavity (1); a gate electrode (4) is arranged in a position, close to the cathode (2), in the vacuum cavity (1); a focusing electrode (5) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), in the vacuum cavity (1); and a deflection coil (6) is arranged in a position, close to the gate electrode (4), at the outer periphery of the vacuum cavity (1). The scanning-type X-ray source generates electron beams by using cathode (2), controls the powering-on/off of the electron beams by the gate electrode (4), and the deflection coil (6) controls the direction of motion of the electron beams, so as to complete the switching between multiple focuses.

A modular X-ray source and method for replacement of such an X-ray source are disclosed. The source is inside a consumable modular enclosure where the entire assembly is swapped out during maintenance. The enclosure covers an X-ray tube, high voltage circuit boards 6 and cooling insulating oil are arranged inside the module enclosure. The enclosure structure includes an X-ray window, connector engagement alignment guide and electrical connectors. The modular X-ray source is used in a multiple source tomosynthesis imaging system where multiple pulsed X-ray sources are utilized. The easy replacement of X-ray tube assembly inside the consumable modular enclosure results in lower maintenance cost and overall reliable X-ray imaging machine. The modular source has potential to increase the machine volume in the field and create new standards for replaceable modular X-ray source.

A modular X-ray source and method for replacement of such an X-ray source are disclosed. The source is inside a consumable modular enclosure where the entire assembly is swapped out during maintenance. The enclosure covers an X-ray tube, high voltage circuit boards 6 and cooling insulating oil are arranged inside the module enclosure. The enclosure structure includes an X-ray window, connector engagement alignment guide and electrical connectors. The modular X-ray source is used in a multiple source tomosynthesis imaging system where multiple pulsed X-ray sources are utilized. The easy replacement of X-ray tube assembly inside the consumable modular enclosure results in lower maintenance cost and overall reliable X-ray imaging machine. The modular source has potential to increase the machine volume in the field and create new standards for replaceable modular X-ray source.

An x-ray emitter includes an x-ray tube and an x-ray emitter housing. In an embodiment, the x-ray tube includes an evacuated x-ray tube housing, a cathode for emitting electrons and an anode for generating x-rays as a function of the electrons. Further, in an embodiment, the x-ray emitter housing includes the x-ray tube and outside of the x-ray tube, a gaseous cooling medium. In an embodiment, the x-ray emitter further includes a compressor for a forced convection of the gaseous cooling medium for cooling the x-ray tube, a pressure ratio between the intake side and pressure side of the compressor being greater than 1.3.