X-Ray Examination System with Integrated Actuator Means for Performing Translational and/or Rotational Disuplacement Movements of at Least One X-Radiation Emitting Anode's Focal Spot Relative to a Stationary Reference Position and Means for Compensat

摘要

The present invention refers to X-ray systems for use in high-resolution imaging applications with an improved power rating and, more particularly, to a variety of system configurations for an X-ray based image acquisition system using an X-ray source of the rotary anode type or, alternatively, an array of spatially distributed X-ray sources fabricated in carbon nanotube (CNT) technology, thus allowing higher sampling rates for an improved temporal resolution of acquired CT images as needed for an exact reconstruction of fast moving objects (such as e.g. the myocard) from a set of acquired 2D projection data. According to the present invention, each X-ray source comprises at least one integrated actuator unit (206, 206', 206a or 206b) for performing at least one translational and/or rotational displacement by moving the position of the X-ray source's anode (204, 204', 204a' or 204b') relative to a stationary reference position, wherein the latter may e.g. be given by a mounting plate (207, 207a or 207b) or an electron beam emitting cathode (201, 201a or 201b) which provides an electron beam (202, 202a or 202b) impinging on said anode. This helps to overcome power limitations due to an overheating of the anode at its focal spot position (205). In addition to that, a focusing unit (203) for allowing an adapted focusing of the anode's focal spot (205) which compensates deviations in the focal spot size resulting from said anode displacements and/or a deflection means (211, 21 Ia or 21 Ib) for generating an electric and/or magnetic field deflecting the electron beam (202, 202a or 202b) in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotary anode's displacement movement may be provided.