Abstract:
A miniature x-ray tube has an anode assembly capable of transmitting x-rays through the anode and over a wide angular range. The anode is in the shape of a cone or truncated cone with an axis on the x-ray tube frame axis, formed of low-Z material with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation. A target material on the anode body is in a thin layer, which may be approximately 0.5 to 5 microns thick. In one embodiment a tube evacuation exhaust port at the tail end of the anode assembly forms a cavity for a getter, with a pinched-off tubulation at the end of the cavity.
Abstract:
Reflectometry apparatus includes a pulsed X-ray source, adapted to irradiate a sample with a sequence of pulses of radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample. An array of detector elements is positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal indicative of respective charges accumulated by the detector elements due to photons of the radiation that are incident on the elements. Timing circuitry is coupled to the array so as to cause the charges to be cleared from the detector elements immediately before each of the pulses in the sequence, and to cause the signal from the elements to be sampled shortly after each of the pulses.
Abstract:
Reflectometry apparatus includes a pulsed X-ray source, adapted to irradiate a sample with a sequence of pulses of radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample. An array of detector elements is positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal indicative of respective charges accumulated by the detector elements due to photons of the radiation that are incident on the elements. Timing circuitry is coupled to the array so as to cause the charges to be cleared from the detector elements immediately before each of the pulses in the sequence, and to cause the signal from the elements to be sampled shortly after each of the pulses.
Abstract:
An X-ray generator, an X-ray inspector and an X-ray generation method capable of automatically focusing an energy beam, such as an electron beam for generating an X-ray, on a target are provided. The generation, inspector and the method have been developed by turning an attention on the fact that convergence conditions of an electron beam has a close relationship with a temperature on a surface of an X-ray tube target. The method comprises the steps of measuring the temperature changes at real time by a temperature sensor 14 and automatically controlling a current value of a focusing coil 6.
Abstract:
An X-ray generator comprises an evacuated and sealed X-ray tube, an electron gun, an X-ray target, an internal electron mask, and an X-ray window consisting of a thin tube of material with low X-ray absorption and high mechanical strength, for example beryllium. The window connects the tube to the target assembly containing the X-ray target. The generator preferably also includes a system for focusing and steering the electron beam onto the target, a cooling system to cool the target material, kinematic mounts to allow precise and repeatable mounting of X-ray devices for focusing the X-ray beam, and X-ray focusing devices of varying configurations and methods. The X-ray generator of the invention produces an X-ray source having a focal spot or line of very small dimensions and is capable of producing a high intensity X-ray beam at a relatively small point of application using a low operating power.
Abstract:
A transmission type X-ray tube is provided with a ceramic stem fitted with cathode pins; an output window, the lower surface of which is deposited with a target metal; a ceramic bulb provided between the ceramic stem and the output window; and a focusing electrode provided along the inner surface of the ceramic bulb and which lower end is interposed between the upper surface of the ceramic stem portion and the lower end of the ceramic bulb. With this configuration, not only can the size of the X-ray tube be reduced, but mounting of the focusing electrode can also be made easier, thereby simplifying assembly operations.
Abstract:
An X-ray generation apparatus has an anticathode which includes a high thermal conductive substrate and a target for generating X-rays by irradiation with electrons. The target penetrates the high heat conductive substrate. Improved cooling efficiency and durability of the anticathode is obtained as well as miniaturization and simplification of the X-ray generation apparatus is achieved.
Abstract:
A compact x-ray tube assembly comprises an evacuated chamber enclosed by a ceramic tubular envelope, an attached power supply at one end connected to an emitter inside the chamber, electrostatic means for focusing a beam of electrons on a metal foil target, an end window at the other end comprising said target, the thickness and composition of the metal foil target and the e-beam energy being selected to generate a microfocused bright beam of x rays of a preselected energy. The compact assembly is useful in a method for aligning or positioning layers used in the production of microelectronics components.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for the treatment of a patient having a tumor is disclosed. An X-ray generating source is positionable at a location in close proximity to the tumor. The X-ray generating source is operable at a voltage level in the range of approximately 10-60 KeV, thereby enhancing absorption of the generated X-rays by the tumor and minimizing the side effects of radiation therapy on the patient's normal tissue.
Abstract:
The electron-emissive element in an X-ray tube is constructed so as to be loop-shaped so that an electron target which is also loop-shaped can be formed on an anode. Notably for target transmission tubes having an integrated window-anode element, a substantial reduction of the window temperature can thus be achieved. Inter alia because of the lower temperature gradients, the window can be constructed to be thinner; however, its service life is substantially prolonged and the radiation efficiency of the tube is increased.