Method for raster scanning an X-ray tube focal spot
First Claim
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1. A method for producing a scanned beam of penetrating radiation, the method comprising:
- a. illuminating a portion of a target with a beam of particles, the target having an effective center, the portion of the target illuminated by the beam of particles comprising a focal spot having a centroid, the illumination being such as to create a beam of penetrating radiation;
b. directing the beam of penetrating radiation through a collimating path having an instantaneous direction defining a line; and
c. scanning the beam of particles across the target in such a manner that the centroid of the focal spot lies on the line defined by the instantaneous direction of the collimating path.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. A beam of particles illuminates a portion of a target, the illuminated portion comprising a focal spot having a centroid. Illumination of the target creates a beam of penetrating radiation such as x-rays. The beam of particles is swept across the target in such a manner that the centroid of the focal spot lies on a line defined by the instantaneous direction of the beam of penetrating radiation as defined, in turn, by a collimating path.
177 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for producing a scanned beam of penetrating radiation, the method comprising:
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a. illuminating a portion of a target with a beam of particles, the target having an effective center, the portion of the target illuminated by the beam of particles comprising a focal spot having a centroid, the illumination being such as to create a beam of penetrating radiation;
b. directing the beam of penetrating radiation through a collimating path having an instantaneous direction defining a line; and
c. scanning the beam of particles across the target in such a manner that the centroid of the focal spot lies on the line defined by the instantaneous direction of the collimating path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for scanning a beam of penetrating radiation across an object, the apparatus comprising:
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a. a source of penetrating photons having a beam of particles incident upon a target at a region of incidence of the beam of particles upon the target, the region of incidence having a centroid, such that penetrating photons are emitted from a region of incidence of the beam of particles upon the target into a penetrating beam;
b. a collimator that allows propagation of penetrating photons along an instantaneous direction defining a line; and
c. a particle beam steering arrangement for selecting the region of incidence of the beam of particles upon the target in such a manner that the centroid of the region of incidence of the beam of particles lies on the line defined by the instantaneous direction of the penetrating photons. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification