FIELD EMITTER BASED ELECTRON SOURCE FOR MULTIPLE SPOT X-RAY
First Claim
1. A multiple spot x-ray generator comprising:
- a plurality of electron generators arranged to form an electron generator matrix, the electron generator matrix including activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators and wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom;
a target anode configured to produce an array of x-ray focal spots providing tomographic imaging of an object when impinged by a plurality of electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators;
an anode shield positioned about the target anode to capture backbombarding ions output from the target anode; and
wherein each electron generator further comprises;
an emitter element configured to emit an electron beam;
a meshed grid disposed adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element; and
a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from the emitter element and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on the target anode.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multiple spot x-ray generator is provided that includes a plurality of electron generators. Each electron generator includes an emitter element to emit an electron beam, a meshed grid adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element, and a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from each of the emitter elements and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on a shielded target anode, the shielded target anode structure producing an array of x-ray focal spots when impinged by electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators. The plurality of electron generators are arranged to form an electron generator matrix that includes activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators, wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A multiple spot x-ray generator comprising:
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a plurality of electron generators arranged to form an electron generator matrix, the electron generator matrix including activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators and wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom; a target anode configured to produce an array of x-ray focal spots providing tomographic imaging of an object when impinged by a plurality of electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators; an anode shield positioned about the target anode to capture backbombarding ions output from the target anode; and wherein each electron generator further comprises; an emitter element configured to emit an electron beam; a meshed grid disposed adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element; and a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from the emitter element and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on the target anode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An x-ray tube comprising:
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a housing enclosing a vacuum-sealed chamber therein; a target generally located at a first end of the chamber and configured to produce an array of x-ray focal spots providing tomographic imaging of an object when impinged by a plurality of electron beams; a target shield housing the target and configured to trap ions therein generated by the interaction of the plurality of electron beams and the target and to intercept backscattered electrons; a field emitter array generally located at a second end of the chamber to generate the plurality of electron beams and transmit the plurality of electron beams toward the target, the field emitter array including a plurality of field emitter units connected therein; and wherein each of the plurality of field emitter units further comprises; a substrate; an emitter element positioned on the substrate and configured to generate an electron beam; an extracting electrode positioned adjacent to the emitter element to extract the electron beam out therefrom, the extracting electrode including an opening therethrough; a metallic grid disposed in the opening of the extracting electrode to enhance intensity and uniformity of an electric field at a surface of the emitter element; and a focusing electrode positioned between the emitter element and the target to focus the electron beam as it passes therethrough. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A distributed x-ray source for an imaging system comprising:
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a plurality of field emitters configured to generate at least one electron beam; a shielded anode positioned in a path of the at least one electron beam and configured to emit a beam of high-frequency electromagnetic energy conditioned for use in a CT imaging process when the electron beam impinges thereon; and wherein each of the plurality of field emitters further comprises; a carbon nanotube (CNT) emitter element; a gate electrode to extract the electron beam from CNT emitter element, the gate electrode including a meshed grid positioned in the electron beam path; means for suppressing surface flashover in proximity to the CNT emitter element; and means for focusing the electron beam to form a focal spot on the shielded anode. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24)
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Specification