MULTIPLE X-RAY BEAM TUBE

摘要

The present invention relates to the generation of multiple X-ray beams (26). In order to provide a facilitated X-ray source with the capability of increased tube power for providing coherent radiation, for example in differential phase contrast imaging (DPCI), a multiple X-ray beam X-ray source (10) is provided with an anode structure (12) and a cathode structure (14). The anode structure comprises a plurality of liquid metal jets (16) providing a plurality of focal lines (18). The cathode structure provides an electron beam structure (20) that provides a sub e-beam (22) to each liquid metal jet. The liquid metal jets are each hit by the sub e-beam along an electron-impinging portion (24) of the circumferential surface that is smaller than half of the circumference.