X-ray tube having an annular vacuum housing

摘要

An x-ray tube has an annular vacuum housing through which an electron beam passes in an annular path, an annular target from which x-radiation emanates during operation of the x-ray tube when the electron beam strikes it at a point of incidence, and a beam deflector which is movable along the circumference of the vacuum housing and which deflects the electron beam such that it is incident onto the target at a point of incidence that is dependent on the position of the deflector along the circumference of the vacuum housing. An x-ray beam emanating from the target is thus caused to move around the interior of the vacuum housing in the manner necessary for producing computed tomograms of a subject disposed in the interior of the vacuum housing.