X-ray generator using hemimorphic crystal
US7729474B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J35/32
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An X-ray generator uses a high electrical field generated when a hemimorphic crystal is heated or cooled. The crystal may be lithium niobate polarized in one direction. An X-ray target is placed inside a housing inside which a vacuum is maintained. A tungsten line containing thorium is placed between the crystal and the target. When the crystal is heated or cooled by a Pelletier element, an intense electrical field is generated around the crystal. Thermoelectrons released from the tungsten line accelerate as a result of the electrical field and collide with the X-ray target. The X-rays released at this time radiate through a beryllium window exteriorly of the housing. Intense X-rays are generated without using large scale equipment, such as a high voltage power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.