X-ray scanners and X-ray sources therefor

摘要

The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra.

主权项

1. An X-ray scanner comprising
a plurality of electron sources and an anode, wherein the anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction, the material areas being formed from different materials wherein each material area is characterized by an energy spectra having an associated peak, and wherein each of the plurality of the electron sources is arranged to be independently activated and arranged to direct electrons at target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-rays having different energy spectra; and a plurality of detectors arranged to detect the X-rays, wherein at least one of said plurality of detectors comprises a filter material and wherein said filter material is characterized by having an absorption edge at an energy between a first peak of a first energy spectra of a first material area of said material areas and a second peak of a second energy spectra of a second material area of said material areas.