X-ray tube cathode with magnetic electron beam steering

摘要

An x-ray tube cathode with magnetic electron beam steering. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube cathode includes a cathode head and an electron emitter. The cathode head includes electrically conductive and non-magnetic material integrated with magnetic material. The cathode head defines an emitter slot in a portion of electrically conductive and non-magnetic material positioned between two portions of magnetic material. The electron emitter is positioned within the emitter slot. The electron emitter is configured to emit a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons is configured to be both focused by the electrically conductive and non-magnetic material and steered during beam formation by the magnetic material.

主权项

1. An x-ray tube cathode comprising:
an evacuated enclosure; a magnetic yoke extending between a first portion inside and open to the interior of the evacuated enclosure, and a second portion outside of the evacuated enclosure; a cathode head comprising electrically conductive and non-magnetic material integrated with a first magnetic material portion and a second magnetic material portion, the cathode head defining an emitter slot in a portion of the electrically conductive and non-magnetic material positioned between the first magnetic material portion and the second magnetic material portion, the first magnetic material portion and the second magnetic material portion coupled to the second portion of the magnetic yoke outside of the evacuated enclosure via the first portion of the magnetic yoke inside and open to the interior of the evacuated enclosure; and an electron emitter positioned within the emitter slot, the electron emitter configured to emit a beam of electrons, the beam of electrons configured to be both focused by the electrically conductive and non-magnetic material and steered during beam formation by the first magnetic material portion and the second magnetic material portion.