Shaped target for mammography

摘要

A method and apparatus for reducing off-focus radiation by modifying a shape of a rotating target anode disposed within a cathode grounded x-ray tube. The shape of the target anode body is modified such that surfaces of the target anode which could otherwise direct the greatest amounts of off-focus radiation toward an x-ray sensitive imaging device are angled or shortened so as to redirect the off-focus radiation away from a focal direction. These modifications to surfaces of the target anode body include modifying a front surface, a side or edge surface, and a back surface.