Small diameter X-ray tube

摘要

Methods and systems for X-ray imaging enable inspection of an area of an object that is located separate and apart from a location of an X-ray generator ( 104 ). An X-ray imaging system ( 100 ) includes an X-ray generator to generate X-rays ( 106 ). A collimator ( 110 ) filters the generated X-rays to consolidate the generated X-rays and move the generated X-rays in a direction parallel to a centerline axis of the collimator. A small diameter tube ( 108 ) transmits the directed X-rays and an end retainer ( 112 ) emits the transmitted X-rays at an inspection object. A first filter of the collimator may initially filter the generated X-rays that are not parallel to the centerline axis of the collimator by passing the X-rays through a plurality of apertures. A second filter of the collimator may consolidate the generated X-rays and move the generated X-rays in a direction parallel to the centerline axis of the collimator by passing the generated X-rays through a channel.