X-ray tube
An X-ray tube includes a cathode, which is configured to generate an electron beam, and a round anode, which is configured to rotate such that the electron beam impinges on a rotating surface of the anode so as to emit at least one X-ray beam. An array of gas pipes is configured to direct gas onto the surface so as to cool the anode.
1. An X-ray tube, comprising:
a cathode, which is configured to generate an electron beam;
a round anode, which is configured to rotate such that the electron beam impinges on a rotating surface of the anode so as to emit at least one X-ray beam; and
an array of gas pipes, which is configured to direct gas onto the surface so as to cool the anode.
2. The tube according to claim 1 , wherein the anode operates at atmospheric pressure.
3. The tube according to claim 2 , and comprising a vacuum housing, which contains the cathode in a vacuum environment.
4. The tube according to claim 3 , wherein the housing comprises a window, through which the electron beam passes so as to impinge on the anode.
5. The tube according to claim 4 , wherein the window comprises a diamond film.
6. The tube according to claim 1 , wherein the anode comprises stacked layers of two or more materials, and is configured to emit the at least one X-ray beam at one or more wavelengths corresponding to the materials.