Patent · US Expired

Microfocus X-ray tube

US7050543B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
22References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 5, 2003
Grant dateMay 23, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 4, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J35/116
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A microfocus X-ray tube is provided, and comprises a head that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. The head has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward a free end of the head. A target is disposed on or in the head. A mechanism is provided for forming an electron beam adapted to bombard the target, and forms the electron beam such that the X-ray tube has a focus with a diameter of ≦200 μm. The target has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the target that during the operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected. A collimator can be provided for the target and also has an outer surface with a cross-section that tapers toward an end of the collimator that during operation of the X-ray tube faces an object that is to be inspected.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.