Abstract:
Configurations for stationary imaging systems are provided. The configurations may include combinations of various types of distributed sources of X-ray radiation, which generally include addressable emitter elements which may be triggered for emission in desired sequences and combinations. The sources may be ring-like, partial ring-like, or line-like (typically along a Z-axis), and so forth. Combinations of these are envisaged. Corresponding detectors may also be full ring detectors or partial ring detectors associated with the sources to provide sufficient coverage of imaging volumes and to provide the desired mathematical completeness of the collected data.
Abstract:
A flat panel x-ray tube assembly is provided comprising a cathode assembly including a plurality of emitter elements. An anode substrate is included having a substrate upper surface facing the plurality of emitter elements and a substrate lower surface. The substrate upper surface is positioned parallel to the plurality of emitter elements. A plurality of target wells are formed in the substrate upper surface. Each of the plurality of target wells comprises a first angled side surface positioned at an acute angle relative to the substrate upper surface. A plurality of first target elements is applied to each to one of the first angled side surfaces. The first target elements generate x-rays in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of emitter elements in response to electrons received from one of the plurality of emitter elements.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents and material emissions from the target.
Abstract:
An x-ray source with an x-ray source target are provided. The x-ray source includes an electron source. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray transmission window. The x-ray source also includes an x-ray source target located between the electron source and the window, wherein the target is arranged to receive electrons from the electron source to generate x-rays in the x-ray source target, and a rotational mechanism adapted to rotate the x-ray source target. A method of producing x-rays and an x-ray target are also provided.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming x-rays. One exemplary system includes a target and electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources. Each of the plurality of electron sources is configured to generate a plurality of discrete spots on the target from which x-rays are emitted. Another exemplary system includes a target, an electron emission subsystem with a plurality of electron sources, each of which generates at least one of the plurality of spots on the target, and a transient beam protection subsystem for protecting the electron emission subsystem from transient beam currents, material emissions from the target, and electric field transients.
Abstract:
A CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned. A plurality of x-ray emission sources are attached to the rotatable gantry, each x-ray emission source configured to emit x-rays in a conebeam toward the object. The CT imaging system also includes a plurality of x-ray detector arrays attached to the gantry and positioned to receive x-rays passing through the object. At least one x-ray detector array of the plurality of x-ray detector arrays is configured to receive x-rays from more than one x-ray emission source.
Abstract:
An x-ray generating device or system include an anode assembly including a target; a cathode assembly disposed at a distance from the anode assembly, the cathode assembly configured to emit electrons that strike the target of the anode assembly, producing x-rays and residual energy; a heat receptor, positioned between the anode assembly and a bearing assembly supporting the anode assembly, for absorbing an amount of the residual energy; and a heat exchanger, in thermal communication with the heat receptor, for carrying a cooling medium and conducting an amount of the residual energy absorbed by the heat receptor away from the heat receptor.
Abstract:
A CT imaging system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned. A plurality of x-ray emission sources are attached to the rotatable gantry, each x-ray emission source configured to emit x-rays in a conebeam toward the object. The CT imaging system also includes a plurality of x-ray detector arrays attached to the gantry and positioned to receive x-rays passing through the object. At least one x-ray detector array of the plurality of x-ray detector arrays is configured to receive x-rays from more than one x-ray emission source.
Abstract:
Various configurations for scatter reduction and control are provided for CT imaging. These configurations include an imaging system having a stationary detector extending generally around a portion of an imaging volume and a distributed X-ray source placed proximal to the stationary detector for radiating an X-ray beam toward the stationary detector. A scatter control system is further provided that is configured to adaptively operate in cooperation with the stationary detector and the distributed X-ray source to focally align collimator septa contained therein to the X-ray beam at a given focal point and to provide X-ray beam scatter control.
Abstract:
An X-ray tube is provided as a source of X-rays for imaging systems such as computed tomography (CT) system. The X-ray tube includes an anode assembly comprising a target for emitting X-rays upon irradiation with an electron beam, a rotor shaft coupled to the target and a motor rotor system such that the rotor shaft is configured to rotate the target, and at least two duplex bearing assemblies to support the rotor shaft. The X-ray tube further includes a cathode assembly comprising a cathode configured to emit electron beam and a conical insulator isolating the cathode from ground potential.