Device for generating X-rays having a liquid metal anode
US6961408B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/1262
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for generating X-rays (31). The device has a source (5) for emitting electrons (27) accommodated in a vacuum space (3). The X-rays are emitted by a liquid metal as a result of the incidence of the electrons. The liquid metal flows through a constriction (13) where the electrons emitted by the source impinge upon the liquid metal. The constriction is bounded by a thin window (23), which is made from a material which is transparent to electrons and X-rays and which separates the liquid metal in the constriction from the vacuum space, and by a wall (25) opposite to the window. According to the invention, the wall (25) has a profile (p) which matches a profile (p′) which the window (23) has, during operation, as a result of a deformation of the window caused by a pressure of the liquid metal in the constriction (13). Thus, it is achieved that the constriction has a predetermined intended cross-sectional area, and a decrease of the flow velocity and an accompanying excessive increase of the pressure at the location of the deformation of the window are prevented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.