Grid voltage generation for x-ray tube
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An x-ray source comprising:
- a. an x-ray tube including;
i. an anode attached to an evacuated enclosure, the anode configured to emit x-rays;
ii. a cathode including an electron emitter attached to the evacuated enclosure, the electron emitter configured to emit electrons towards the anode;
iii. an electrically conducting grid disposed between the electron emitter and the anode, with a gap between the grid and the anode, and a gap between the grid and the electron emitter;
b. an internal grid control configured to provide alternating current;
c. a grid high voltage multiplier electrically coupled between the internal grid control and the grid;
d. the grid high voltage multiplier configured to receive alternating current from the internal grid control, generate a direct current (“
DC”
) voltage based on the alternating current, and provide the DC voltage to the grid;
e. a primary high voltage multiplier configured to provide a DC bias voltage at a high voltage connection to the electron emitter, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control;
f. electrically insulating potting substantially surrounding a cathode end of an exterior of the x-ray tube, a high voltage connection end of an exterior of the primary high voltage multiplier, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control;
g. the internal grid control having a light sensor configured to receive a light control signal emitted by an external grid control;
h. the internal grid control configured to modify the alternating current to the grid high voltage multiplier based on the light control signal; and
i. the grid high voltage multiplier configured to modify the grid voltage based on the modified alternating current.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An x-ray source for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. A method for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. Grid(s) may be used in an x-ray tube for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size. Control circuitry for the grid(s) can be disposed in electrically insulative potting. Light may be used to provide power and control signals to the control circuitry.
126 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An x-ray source comprising:
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a. an x-ray tube including; i. an anode attached to an evacuated enclosure, the anode configured to emit x-rays; ii. a cathode including an electron emitter attached to the evacuated enclosure, the electron emitter configured to emit electrons towards the anode; iii. an electrically conducting grid disposed between the electron emitter and the anode, with a gap between the grid and the anode, and a gap between the grid and the electron emitter; b. an internal grid control configured to provide alternating current; c. a grid high voltage multiplier electrically coupled between the internal grid control and the grid; d. the grid high voltage multiplier configured to receive alternating current from the internal grid control, generate a direct current (“
DC”
) voltage based on the alternating current, and provide the DC voltage to the grid;e. a primary high voltage multiplier configured to provide a DC bias voltage at a high voltage connection to the electron emitter, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control; f. electrically insulating potting substantially surrounding a cathode end of an exterior of the x-ray tube, a high voltage connection end of an exterior of the primary high voltage multiplier, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control; g. the internal grid control having a light sensor configured to receive a light control signal emitted by an external grid control; h. the internal grid control configured to modify the alternating current to the grid high voltage multiplier based on the light control signal; and i. the grid high voltage multiplier configured to modify the grid voltage based on the modified alternating current. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling an electron beam of an x-ray tube, the method comprising:
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a. obtaining an x-ray tube and control electronics with; i. an anode attached to an evacuated enclosure, the anode configured to emit x-rays; ii. an electron emitter attached to the evacuated enclosure and configured to emit electrons towards the anode; iii. an electrically conducting grid disposed between the electron emitter and the anode, with a gap between the grid and the anode, and a gap between the grid and the electron emitter; iv. an internal grid control configured to provide alternating current; v. a grid high voltage multiplier electrically coupled between the internal grid control and the grid; vi. the grid high voltage multiplier configured to receive alternating current from the internal grid control, generate a direct current (“
DC”
) voltage based on the alternating current, and provide the DC voltage to the grid;vii. a primary high voltage multiplier electrically coupled to and configured to provide a DC bias voltage to the electron emitter; viii. a primary high voltage multiplier electrically coupled to and configured to provide a DC bias voltage to the grid high voltage multiplier, the internal grid control, or both; ix. electrically insulating potting substantially surrounding a cathode end of an exterior of the x-ray tube, at least part of the primary high voltage multiplier, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control; and b. sending a light control signal to the internal grid control, the internal grid control modifying the alternating current to the grid high voltage multiplier based on the light control signal, and the grid high voltage multiplier modifying the grid voltage based on the modified alternating current. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification