EP1418610B1 - Microfocus X-ray tube - Google Patents

Microfocus X-ray tube Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1418610B1
EP1418610B1 EP03024511A EP03024511A EP1418610B1 EP 1418610 B1 EP1418610 B1 EP 1418610B1 EP 03024511 A EP03024511 A EP 03024511A EP 03024511 A EP03024511 A EP 03024511A EP 1418610 B1 EP1418610 B1 EP 1418610B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ray tube
head
target
microfocus
component
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EP03024511A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1418610A1 (en
Inventor
Udo Emil Dr. Frank
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comet GmbH
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FEINFOCUS GmbH
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J35/00X-ray tubes
    • H01J35/02Details
    • H01J35/04Electrodes ; Mutual position thereof; Constructional adaptations therefor
    • H01J35/08Anodes; Anti cathodes
    • H01J35/112Non-rotating anodes
    • H01J35/116Transmissive anodes

Definitions

  • microfocus X-ray tubes whose in operation facing the object to be examined Head has a diameter of a few cm. to Achieving a high magnification, it is necessary the focus and thus the head of the microfocus X-ray tube close enough to the component to be tested. This is only possible if on the to be tested No elevations are present against which the Head before reaching the required distance encounters.
  • the known x-ray tubes are thus suitable mainly for testing flat components while they are for a test of surveys, for example, populated printed circuit boards, only in limited Dimensions are suitable.
  • JP-2000 306533 is a microfocus X-ray tube of the type in question.
  • the well-known X-ray tube has a during operation of the X-ray tube a object to be examined facing the head, on or in which a target is arranged, and means, the an electron beam impinging on the target form such that the X-ray tube a focal spot with a diameter of s 200 ⁇ m, in particular ⁇ 10 ⁇ m.
  • the outer surface of the head points at the known X-ray tube to a free end towards tapering cross-section, the target as Transmission target is formed.
  • a disadvantage of the known X-ray tube consists in that they are used to investigate fissured components, For example, electronic circuit boards, not suitable is.
  • the invention is based on the object Specify microfocus X-ray tube with which to investigate Also rugged components is possible and the is robust in construction.
  • the taper of the cross section of the outer surface of the head can be formed in any suitable manner be.
  • the head on his free end in the manner of a pointed gable roof be educated.
  • An advantageous development The teaching of the invention provides that the outer surface formed substantially rotationally symmetrical is. In this embodiment, a particularly cost-effective Achievement achieved because the outer surface of the Head formed for example by a simple rotary part can be.
  • the Outer surface of the head in the direction of radiation also at least in sections by a holder for the Target be formed.
  • the opening angle of the essential conical outer surface preferably less as 50 °. That way, the head can handle one too strong inclination to the surface of the component to be tested be introduced.
  • the head points at least two in the radiation direction of the X-radiation successively arranged areas with different Opening angles of the conical outer surface on.
  • the head is in the radiation direction X-rays from cones with different Opening angles composed.
  • FIG. 5 shows the head 6 of the X-ray tube 2 in the assembled state, in which the target 8 on the holder 18th and the collimator 24 is mounted on the target.
  • the collimator 24 is fixedly connected to the holder 18, so that the target 8 is held firmly on the holder 18 is.
  • the through the target 8 and the bracket 18th formed unit can be detachable with the main body 3 of the X-ray tube 2 are connected, so that they are needed can be easily replaced.
  • a dashed line Line 34 is a head of a conventional x-ray tube shown. It can be seen that the head of such conventional X-ray tube in a tilted Leading the head 6 to the surface of the component 4 would abut this surface, before the with the X-ray tube 2 according to the invention achievable and to obtain a high magnification image required small distance of the head from the surface of the component 4 is reached.

Abstract

The device (2) has a head (6) that faces the object under investigation, a target mounted on or in the object and an arrangement that shapes an electron beam incident on the target so that the x-ray tube has a focal spot with a diameter of less than/equal to 200 microns, especially less than/equal to 10 microns. The outer surface of the head has a cross-section that narrows towards its free end. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a target for an inventive microfocus x-ray tube (b) a collimator for a target for an inventive microfocus x-ray tube.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 genannten Art.The invention relates to a microfocus X-ray tube referred to in the preamble of claim 1 Art.

Derartige Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhren sind allgemein bekannt und werden beispielsweise zum Prüfen von Leiterplatten in der Elektronikindustrie eingesetzt. Die bekannten Röntgenröhren weisen einen bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre einem zu untersuchenden Objekt zugewandten Kopf auf, an dem oder in dem ein Target angeordnet ist, auf das hochenergetisch beschleunigte Elektronen auftreffen, so daß in allgemein bekannter Weise Röntgenstrahlung erzeugt wird. Die so erzeugte Röntgenstrahlung wird in bildgebenden Verfahren verwendet, um beispielsweise Bauteile bzw. Bauteilanordnungen auf Leiterplatten darzustellen und die Leiterplatten auf diese Weise optisch zu prüfen.Such microfocus x-ray tubes are general and are known, for example, for testing printed circuit boards used in the electronics industry. The known x-ray tubes have a during operation of the X-ray tube facing an object to be examined Head on which or in which a target is arranged, hit the high energy accelerated electrons, so that in a well known manner X-ray is produced. The X-ray generated in this way is used in imaging processes, for example Components or component arrangements on printed circuit boards represent and the printed circuit boards on this Way to visually check.

Es sind Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhren bekannt, deren bei Betrieb dem zu untersuchenden Objekt zugewandter Kopf einen Durchmesser von einigen cm aufweist. Zur Erzielung einer hohen Vergrößerung ist es erforderlich, den Fokus und damit den Kopf der Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre nahe genug an das zu prüfende Bauteil heranzuführen. Dies ist nur dann möglich, wenn auf dem zu prüfenden Bauteil keine Erhebungen vorhanden sind, gegen die der Kopf vor dem Erreichen des erforderlichen Abstandes stößt. Die bekannten Röntgenröhren eignen sich somit vorwiegend zur Prüfung flacher Bauteile, während sie für eine Prüfung von Erhebungen aufweisenden Bauteilen, beispielsweise bestückten Leiterplatten, nur in eingeschränktem Maße geeignet sind.There are known microfocus X-ray tubes whose in operation facing the object to be examined Head has a diameter of a few cm. to Achieving a high magnification, it is necessary the focus and thus the head of the microfocus X-ray tube close enough to the component to be tested. This is only possible if on the to be tested No elevations are present against which the Head before reaching the required distance encounters. The known x-ray tubes are thus suitable mainly for testing flat components while they are for a test of surveys, for example, populated printed circuit boards, only in limited Dimensions are suitable.

Zur Vermeidung dieses Nachteils ist es bekannt, den Kopf der Röntgenröhre durch eine sogenannte Stabanode zu bilden, die durch ein zylindrisches Rohr mit einem Durchmesser von wenigen cm bis wenigen mm gebildet ist. Insbesondere dann, wenn die verwendete Stabanode einen Durchmesser von nur wenigen mm aufweist, ist es mit derartigen Röntgenröhren möglich, auch in enge Vertiefungen, Ausnehmungen oder Hohlräume eines zu prüfenden Bauteiles einzudringen.To avoid this disadvantage, it is known the head of the X-ray tube by a so-called rod anode to be formed by a cylindrical tube with a diameter of a few cm to a few mm formed is. In particular, when the rod anode used has a diameter of only a few mm, is it possible with such X-ray tubes, also in narrow recesses, recesses or cavities to one penetrate testing component.

Ein Nachteil derartiger Röntgenröhren besteht darin, daß die verwendeten Stabanoden wenig stabil und damit empfindlich gegen mechanische Beschädigung sind. Um eine mechanische Beschädigung der Stabanode durch Anstoßen an das zu prüfende Bauteil zu verhindern, ist es erforderlich, das Annähern der Stabanode an das zu prüfende Bauteil unter optischer Beobachtung durchzuführen, was einen hohen apparativen Aufwand erfordert und damit kostenaufwendig ist. Darüber hinaus erfordert eine optische Kontrolle des Heranführens der Stabanode an das zu prüfende Bauteil einen hohen Zeitaufwand und verursacht damit hohe Personalkosten.A disadvantage of such X-ray tubes is that that the rod anodes used are less stable and so sensitive to mechanical damage. To mechanical damage of the rod anode by To prevent abutment on the component to be tested is it is necessary to approach the rod anode to that to perform the test component under optical observation, which requires a lot of equipment and thus expensive. In addition, requires an optical control of the introduction of the rod anode on the component to be tested a lot of time and causes high personnel costs.

Aus diesem Grunde ist es in der Praxis wünschenswert, Stabanoden größeren Durchmessers zu verwenden, die unempfindlicher gegen mechanische Beschädigungen sind.For this reason, it is desirable in practice To use rod anodes of larger diameter the less sensitive to mechanical damage are.

Nachteilig ist jedoch, daß dann, wenn der Kopf mit seiner flachen Seite zur Erzielung einer Schrägdurchstrahlung eines zu prüfenden Bauteiles nicht parallel zu einer Oberfläche des Bauteiles, sondern geneigt zu dieser Oberfläche an das Bauteil herangeführt wird, die Gefahr besteht, daß aufgrund von an der Oberfläche vorhandenen Erhebungen der Kopf nicht nahe genug an eine zu prüfende Stelle des Bauteiles herangeführt werden kann.The disadvantage, however, is that when the head with its flat side to achieve a slant beam a component to be tested not parallel to a surface of the component, but inclined to this surface is brought to the component, the There is a risk that due to existing on the surface Elevations of the head not close enough to one be introduced to be inspected body of the component can.

Röntgenröhren zur Untersuchung von Bauteilen sind beispielsweise durch EP 0 777 255 A, US 3 584 219 A, GB 1 249 341 A, US 3 668 454 A, US 1 717 309 A, US 4 618 972 A, EP 0 083 198 A, EP 0 292 055 A und DE 31 39 899 A bekannt. Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhren zur Untersuchung von Bauteilen sind durch EP-0 366 372 A, DE 196 33 860 A und WO 01/99478 A bekannt.X-ray tubes for the examination of components are for example by EP 0 777 255 A, US Pat. No. 3,584,219 A, GB 1 249 341 A, US 3 668 454 A, US 1 717 309 A, US 4 618 972 A, EP 0 083 198 A, EP 0 292 055 A and DE 31 39 899 A known. Microfocus X-ray tubes for examination of components are described by EP-0 366 372 A, DE 196 33 860 A and WO 01/99478 A known.

Durch JP-2000 306533 ist eine Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre der betreffenden Art bekannt. Die bekannte Röntgenröhre weist einen bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre einem zu untersuchenden Objekt zugewandten Kopf, an dem oder in dem ein Target angeordnet ist, und Mittel auf, die einen auf das Target auftreffenden Elektronenstrahl derart formen, daß die Röntgenröhre einen Brennfleck mit einem Durchmesser von s 200 µm, inbesondere ≤ 10 µm, aufweist. Die Außenfläche des Kopfes weist bei der bekannten Röntgenröhre einen sich zu seinem freien Ende hin verjüngenden Querschnitt auf, wobei das Target als Transmissions-Target ausgebildet ist.JP-2000 306533 is a microfocus X-ray tube of the type in question. The well-known X-ray tube has a during operation of the X-ray tube a object to be examined facing the head, on or in which a target is arranged, and means, the an electron beam impinging on the target form such that the X-ray tube a focal spot with a diameter of s 200 μm, in particular ≤ 10 μm. The outer surface of the head points at the known X-ray tube to a free end towards tapering cross-section, the target as Transmission target is formed.

Ein Nachteil der bekannten Röntgenröhre besteht darin, daß sie zur Untersuchung zerklüfteter Bauteile, beispielsweise von elektronischen Leiterplatten, nicht geeignet ist.A disadvantage of the known X-ray tube consists in that they are used to investigate fissured components, For example, electronic circuit boards, not suitable is.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre anzugeben, mit der eine Untersuchung auch zerklüfteter Bauteile möglich ist und die robust im Aufbau ist.The invention is based on the object Specify microfocus X-ray tube with which to investigate Also rugged components is possible and the is robust in construction.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im Anspruch 1 angegebene Lehre gelöst.This object is achieved by the specified in claim 1 Teaching solved.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Außenfläche des Kopfes einen sich zu seinem freien Ende hin verjüngenden Querschnitt auf. Auf diese Weise ist erreicht, daß der Kopf einerseits an seinem freien Ende geringe Abmessungen aufweist, was im Sinne einer Untersuchung von zerklüfteten Bauteilen von Vorteil ist, andererseits aber an seinem dem freien Ende abgewandten Ende, an dem der Kopf mit dem Grundkörper der Röntgenröhre verbunden ist, eine ausreichend große Basis aufweist, um den Kopf unempfindlich gegen mechanische Beschädigungen, beispielsweise beim Anstoßen an ein zu prüfendes Bauteil, zu machen. Die Verjüngung des Querschnitts der Außenfläche zu dem freien Ende des Kopfes hin ermöglicht es, den Kopf auch schräg zur Oberfläche eines Bauteiles an dieses heranzuführen, wobei soweit wie möglich verhindert ist, daß der Kopf mit von dem freien Ende entfernten Bereichen seiner Außenfläche an die Oberfläche des zu prüfenden Bauteiles anstößt. Damit ermöglicht es die erfindungsgemäße Lehre, den Kopf der Röntgenröhre auch bei einer Schrägdurchstrahlung des zu prüfenden Bauteiles sehr nahe an die zu prüfende Stelle des Bauteiles heranzuführen, so daß mit der erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre sehr hohe Vergrößerungsfaktoren erzielt werden können.According to the invention, the outer surface of the head a tapered to its free end cross-section on. In this way it is achieved that the head on the one hand at its free end small dimensions has, in the sense of an investigation of jagged Components advantageous, on the other hand, but on its end facing away from the free end, on which the Head connected to the main body of the X-ray tube is having a sufficiently large base around the head Insensitive to mechanical damage, for example when abutting a component to be tested, close. The taper of the cross section of the outer surface towards the free end of the head allows the head also obliquely to the surface of a component to bring this about, as far as possible prevented is that the head with removed from the free end Areas of its outer surface to the surface of the abuts the component to be tested. This allows the inventive teaching, the head of the X-ray tube also at a diagonal radiation of the component to be tested very close to the point of the component to be tested introduce, so that with the inventive Microfocus X-ray tube very high magnification factors can be achieved.

Erfindungsgemäß mündet die Außenfläche des Kopfes in eine Spitze. Dies ist insofern vorteilhaft, als die Spitze auch in Ausnehmungen geringen Durchmessers an einem zu prüfenden Bauteil eingeführt werden kann, um in solchen Ausnehmungen Prüfungen vorzunehmen.According to the invention, the outer surface of the head opens in a tip. This is advantageous in that the Tip also in small diameter recesses a component to be tested can be introduced to to carry out tests in such recesses.

Erfindungsgemäß wird unter dem Kopf der Röntgenröhre das bei Betrieb der Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre einem zu untersuchenden Bauteil zugewandte freie Ende der Röntgenröhre verstanden.According to the invention, under the head of the X-ray tube when operating the microfocus X-ray tube a to be examined component facing free end of X-ray tube understood.

Die erfindungsgemäße Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre ist robust im Aufbau und unempfindlich gegen mechanische Beschädigungen, beispielsweise beim Anstoßen an ein zu prüfendes Bauteil. Sie ist vielseitig einsetzbar und insbesondere zur Prüfung von Leiterplatten in der Elektronikindustrie geeignet.The microfocus X-ray tube according to the invention is robust in construction and insensitive to mechanical Damage, for example, when abutting a to testing component. It is versatile and can be used in particular for testing printed circuit boards in the electronics industry suitable.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre besteht darin, daß sie einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar ist.Another advantage of the microfocus X-ray tube according to the invention is that they are simple and is inexpensive to produce.

Unter einer Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre wird erfindungsgemäß eine Röntgenröhre verstanden, deren Brennfleck einen Durchmesser von ≤ 200 µm, insbesondere ≤ 10 µm hat.Under a microfocus X-ray tube is according to the invention understood an X-ray tube whose focal spot a diameter of ≤ 200 μm, in particular ≤ 10 μm has.

Die Verjüngung des Querschnitts der Außenfläche des Kopfes kann in beliebiger geeigneter Weise ausgebildet sein. Beispielsweise kann der Kopf an seinem freien Ende nach Art eines spitz zulaufenden Satteldaches ausgebildet sein. Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Lehre sieht vor, daß die Außenfläche im wesentlichen rotationssymmetrisch ausgebildet ist. Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist ein besonders kostengünstiger Aufbau erzielt, da die Außenfläche des Kopfes beispielsweise durch ein einfaches Drehteil gebildet sein kann.The taper of the cross section of the outer surface of the head can be formed in any suitable manner be. For example, the head on his free end in the manner of a pointed gable roof be educated. An advantageous development The teaching of the invention provides that the outer surface formed substantially rotationally symmetrical is. In this embodiment, a particularly cost-effective Achievement achieved because the outer surface of the Head formed for example by a simple rotary part can be.

Bei der vorgenannten Ausführungsform ist die Au-ßenfläche zweckmäßigerweise im wesentlichen konisch ausgebildet, wie dies eine Weiterbildung vorsieht. Auf diese Weise ist die Herstellung des Kopfes weiter vereinfacht.In the aforementioned embodiment, the outer surface is suitably substantially conical trained, as this provides for a further education. On this way, the production of the head is further simplified.

Entsprechend den jeweiligen Anforderungen kann die Außenfläche des Kopfes in Strahlungsrichtung auch wenigstens abschnittsweise durch eine Halterung für das Target gebildet sein.According to the respective requirements, the Outer surface of the head in the direction of radiation also at least in sections by a holder for the Target be formed.

Bei der Ausführungsform mit der im wesentlichen konischen Außenfläche beträgt der Öffnungswinkel der im wesentlichen konischen Außenfläche vorzugsweise weniger als 50°. Auf diese Weise kann der Kopf auch mit einer starken Neigung an die Oberfläche des zu prüfenden Bauteils herangeführt werden.In the embodiment with the substantially conical outer surface is the opening angle of the essential conical outer surface preferably less as 50 °. That way, the head can handle one too strong inclination to the surface of the component to be tested be introduced.

Gemäß einer anderen Weiterbildung weist der Kopf wenigstens zwei in Strahlungsrichtung der Röntgenstrahlung hintereinander angeordnete Bereiche mit unterschiedlichen Öffnungswinkeln der konischen Außenfläche auf. Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist der Kopf in Strahlungsrichtung der Röntgenstrahlung aus Konen mit unterschiedlichen Öffnungswinkeln zusammengesetzt.According to another development, the head points at least two in the radiation direction of the X-radiation successively arranged areas with different Opening angles of the conical outer surface on. In this embodiment, the head is in the radiation direction X-rays from cones with different Opening angles composed.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung näher erläutert, in der ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre dargestellt ist.The invention is described below with reference to the attached Drawing explained in more detail, in which an embodiment a microfocus X-ray tube according to the invention is shown.

Es zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispieles einer erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre,
Fig. 2
einen Axialschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Target der Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre gemäß Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 1, jedoch gegenüber Fig. 2 stark verkleinertem Maßstab das Target gemäß Fig. 2 mit einer Halterung für das Target,
Fig. 4
in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 2, jedoch gegenüber Fig. 2 etwas verkleinertem Maßstab einen Kollimator für das Target gemäß Fig. 2 und
Fig. 5
in gleicher Darstellung wie Fig. 3 den Kopf der Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre gemäß Fig. 1.
It shows:
Fig. 1
a schematic side view of an embodiment of a microfocus X-ray tube according to the invention,
Fig. 2
an axial section through an inventive target of the microfocus X-ray tube of FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
in the same representation as FIG. 1, but with respect to FIG. 2, the target of FIG. 2 with a holder for the target,
Fig. 4
in the same representation as FIG. 2, but with respect to FIG. 2 a somewhat reduced scale, a collimator for the target according to FIG. 2 and FIG
Fig. 5
in the same representation as FIG. 3 shows the head of the microfocus X-ray tube according to FIG. 1.

In Fig. 1 ist eine erfindungsgemäße Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre 2 dargestellt, die an ihrem bei Betrieb der Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre 2 einem zu prüfenden Bauteil, das in Fig. 1 durch eine strichpunktierte Linie 4 symbolisiert ist, zugewandten Ende einen Kopf 6 aufweist, in dem in weiter unten näher erläuterter Weise ein Target angeordnet ist. Die Mikrofocus-Röntgenröhre 2, die nachfolgend kurz als Röntgenröhre bezeichnet wird, weist ferner in der Zeichnung nicht näher erkennbare an einem Grundkörper 3 der Röntgenröhre 2 angeordnete Mittel zum Beschleunigen von Elektronen und zum Richten der Elektronen auf das Target auf. Der Aufbau der Röntgenröhre 2 ist insoweit dem Fachmann allgemein bekannt und wird daher hier nicht näher erläutert.In Fig. 1 is a microfocus X-ray tube according to the invention 2 shown at her during operation the microfocus X-ray tube 2 a component to be tested, that in Fig. 1 by a dot-dash line. 4 is symbolized, facing end has a head 6, in the manner explained in more detail below a target is arranged. The microfocus x-ray tube 2, hereinafter referred to briefly as the X-ray tube is, furthermore, in the drawing not closer to recognizable arranged on a base body 3 of the X-ray tube 2 Means for accelerating electrons and for Direct the electrons towards the target. The structure The X-ray tube 2 is so far the general expert is known and will therefore not be explained here.

In Fig. 2 ist ein erfindungsgemäßes Target 8 dargestellt, das bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel aus Metall besteht und eine Außenfläche 10 aufweist, deren Querschnitt sich erfindungsgemäß zu dem freien Ende des Targets 8 hin verjüngt. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Außenfläche im wesentlichen rotationssymmetrisch und konisch ausgebildet und mündet in eine Spitze 12. Die konische Außenfläche 10 des Targets 8 weist bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel einen Öffnungswinkel α von etwa 45° auf, der jedoch entsprechend den jeweiligen Anforderungen in weiten Grenzen wählbar ist. Das Target 8 ist bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel hohl ausgebildet und weist an seiner radialen Innenfläche 14 eine dünne Beschichtung 16 aus Wolfram auf, die bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre 2 mit beschleunigten Elektronen beaufschlagt wird, wodurch Röntgenstrahlung freigesetzt wird.FIG. 2 shows a target 8 according to the invention, in this embodiment of metal consists and has an outer surface 10, whose cross section according to the invention to the free end of Targets 8 tapered out. In this embodiment the outer surface is substantially rotationally symmetrical and conical and empties into a spike 12. The conical outer surface 10 of the target 8 has in this embodiment, an opening angle α of about 45 °, but according to the respective Requirements can be selected within wide limits. The Target 8 is hollow in this embodiment and has at its radial inner surface 14 a thin coating 16 of tungsten on, during operation the X-ray tube 2 is acted upon by accelerated electrons which releases X-rays becomes.

In Fig. 3 ist eine Halterung 18 dargestellt, mittels derer das Target 8 mit dem Grundkörper 3 der Röntgenröhre 2 verbindbar ist. Die Halterung 18 weist eine sich zu dem Target 8 konisch verjüngende Außenfläche auf. Das Target 8 ist mit der Halterung 18 verbunden, und zur Verbindung der Halterung 18 mit dem Grundkörper 3 sind in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Mittel vorgesehen. Die Halterung 18 weist eine durchgehende zentrische Ausnehmung 22 auf, durch die hindurch bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre 2 Elektronen auf die radiale Innenfläche des Targets 8 auftreffen.In Fig. 3, a holder 18 is shown by means of derer the target 8 with the main body 3 of the X-ray tube 2 is connectable. The holder 18 has a to the target 8 conically tapered outer surface on. The target 8 is connected to the holder 18, and for connecting the bracket 18 to the main body 3 means not shown in the drawing are provided. The holder 18 has a continuous centric Recess 22, through which during operation X-ray tube 2 electrons on the radial Inner surface of the target 8 impinge.

In Fig. 4 ist ein erfindungsgemäßer Kollimator 24 dargestellt, der bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre 2 in Strahlungsrichtung der Röntgenstrahlung dem Target 8 nachgeordnet ist und die Röntgenstrahlung räumlich begrenzt. Hierzu weist der Kollimator 24 eine durchgehende zentrische Ausnehmung 26 auf, durch die der Röntgenstrahl räumlich begrenzt austritt. Die Halterung 24 weist eine sich zu ihrem freien Ende hin konisch verjüngende Außenfläche 28 auf, während ihre radiale Innenfläche 30 zu der radialen Außenfläche 10 des Targets 8 im wesentlichen komplementär ausgebildet ist, derart, daß der Kollimator 24 im wesentlichen formschlüssig auf das Target 8 aufsetzbar ist.FIG. 4 shows a collimator 24 according to the invention shown in operation of the X-ray tube 2 in Radiation direction of the X-ray radiation to the target 8 is downstream and limits the X-ray radiation spatially. For this purpose, the collimator 24 has a continuous central recess 26 through which the X-ray beam spatially limited exit. The holder 24 has a conically tapering towards its free end Outside surface 28, while its radial inner surface 30 to the radial outer surface 10 of the target 8 is formed substantially complementary, in such a way that the collimator 24 substantially in a form-fitting manner the target 8 can be placed.

Fig. 5 zeigt den Kopf 6 der Röntgenröhre 2 im Montagezustand, in dem das Target 8 auf die Halterung 18 und der Kollimator 24 auf das Target aufgesetzt ist. Der Kollimator 24 ist mit der Halterung 18 fest verbunden, so daß das Target 8 fest an der Halterung 18 gehalten ist. Die durch das Target 8 und die Halterung 18 gebildete Einheit kann lösbar mit dem Grundkörper 3 der Röntgenröhre 2 verbunden werden, so daß sie im Bedarfsfalle leicht ausgetauscht werden kann.5 shows the head 6 of the X-ray tube 2 in the assembled state, in which the target 8 on the holder 18th and the collimator 24 is mounted on the target. The collimator 24 is fixedly connected to the holder 18, so that the target 8 is held firmly on the holder 18 is. The through the target 8 and the bracket 18th formed unit can be detachable with the main body 3 of the X-ray tube 2 are connected, so that they are needed can be easily replaced.

Bei Betrieb der Röntgenröhre 2 treten beschleunigte Elektronen durch die Ausnehmung 22 hindurch und treffen auf die Beschichtung 16 des Targets 8 auf, wodurch Röntgenstrahlung entsteht, die durch die Ausnehmung 26 in dem Kollimator 24 aus dem Kopf 6 der Röntgenröhre austritt. Das frei Ende des Kollimators 24 bildet eine Spitze 32 des Kopfes 6.When operating the X-ray tube 2 accelerated occur Electrons through the recess 22 through and impinge on the coating 16 of the target 8, thereby X-rays are generated by the recess 26 in the collimator 24 from the head 6 of the X-ray tube exit. The free end of the collimator 24 forms a tip 32 of the head 6.

Wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt, kann der Kopf 6 aufgrund seines sich zu seinem freien Ende hin verjüngenden Querschnittes geneigt an die Oberfläche des zu prüfenden Bauteiles 4 herangeführt werden, ohne daß der Kopf 6 an die Oberfläche des Bauteiles 4 anstößt, bevor ein zur Erzielung einer Abbildung mit hoher Vergrößerung erforderlicher geringer Abstand des Kopfes 6 von der Oberfläche des Bauteiles 4 erreicht ist. Zur Verdeutlichung dessen ist in Fig. 1 durch eine gestrichelte Line 34 ein Kopf einer herkömmlichen Röntgenröhre dargestellt. Es ist erkennbar, daß der Kopf einer solchen herkömmlichen Röntgenröhre bei einem geneigten Heranführen des Kopfes 6 an die Oberfläche des Bauteiles 4 an diese Oberfläche anstoßen würde, bevor der mit der erfindungsgemäßen Röntgenröhre 2 erreichbare und zur Erzielung einer Abbildung mit hoher Vergrößerung erforderliche geringe Abstand des Kopfes von der Oberfläche des Bauteiles 4 erreicht ist. As shown in Fig. 1, the head 6 due his rejuvenating to his free end Cross-section inclined to the surface of the test Components 4 are introduced without the Head 6 abuts the surface of the component 4, before one to obtain a high magnification image required small distance of the head 6 of the surface of the component 4 is reached. For clarification this is shown in Fig. 1 by a dashed line Line 34 is a head of a conventional x-ray tube shown. It can be seen that the head of such conventional X-ray tube in a tilted Leading the head 6 to the surface of the component 4 would abut this surface, before the with the X-ray tube 2 according to the invention achievable and to obtain a high magnification image required small distance of the head from the surface of the component 4 is reached.

Die erfindungsgemäße Röntgenröhre 2 ermöglicht somit ein geneigtes Heranführen des Kopfes 6 bis zu einem äußerst geringen Abstand. Dadurch, daß der Kopf 6 an seinem dem freien Ende abgewandten Ende einen wesentlich größeren Durchmesser als an dem freien Ende hat, weist die erfindungsgemäße Röntgenröhre 2 einen besonders stabilen Aufbau auf. Es besteht daher nicht die Gefahr, daß der Kopf 6 beim Anstoßen an Erhebungen des zu prüfenden Bauteiles 4 beschädigt wird, wie dies bei aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten, als Stabanode geringen Durchmessers ausgebildeten Köpfen der Fall ist.The X-ray tube 2 according to the invention allows thus an inclined leading the head 6 up to an extremely short distance. Due to the fact that the head 6 at its end facing away from the free end a substantial larger diameter than at the free end has, the inventive X-ray tube 2 has a particularly stable construction. It does not exist the danger that the head 6 when abutting elevations of the component to be tested 4 is damaged, as this known from the prior art, as a rod anode small diameter trained heads of the case is.

Die erfindungsgemäße Röntgenröhre ist einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar.The X-ray tube according to the invention is simple and inexpensive to produce.

Die Verwendung des Kollimators 24 ist vorteilhaft, jedoch nicht zwingend. Wird der Kollimator 24 weggelassen, so bildet bei dem in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel die konische Außenfläche des erfindungsgemäßen Targets 8 eine konische Außenfläche des Kopfes 6.The use of the collimator 24 is advantageous but not mandatory. If the collimator 24 is omitted, so forms in the illustrated in the drawing Embodiment, the conical outer surface of the invention Targets 8 a conical outer surface of the Head 6.

Claims (6)

  1. Microfocus X-ray tube with a head (6) facing an object to be examined on operation of the X-ray tube, onto which or into which head a target (8) is arranged, and with means which shape an electron beam incidental to the target (8) in such a way that the X-ray tube has a focal spot with a diameter of ≤ 200 µm, in particular ≤ 10 µm, whereby the outer surface of the head (6) has a cross section which tapers towards its free end, and whereby the target (8) is designed as a transmission target, characterised in that the outer surface of the head (6) is formed at least partly by the target (8) or a collimator (24) arranged after the target (8) in the direction of the beam, in that the target (8) is hollow and in that the target (8) opens into a tip (32).
  2. Microfocus X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer surface of the head (6) is designed to be essentially rotationally symmetrical.
  3. Microfocus X-ray tube according to claim 2, characterised in that the outer surface of the head (6) is designed to be essentially conical.
  4. Microfocus X-ray tube according to claim 1, characterised in that the outer surface of the head (6) is formed in the direction of the beam at least in sections by a holder (18) for the target (8).
  5. Microfocus X-ray tube according to claim 3, characterised in that the apex angle (α) of the essentially conical outer surface is less than 50°.
  6. Microfocus X-ray tube according to claim 3, characterised in that the head (6) has at least two regions arranged behind one another in axial direction with different apex angles of the conical outer surface.
EP03024511A 2002-11-06 2003-10-24 Microfocus X-ray tube Expired - Lifetime EP1418610B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10251635 2002-11-06
DE10251635A DE10251635A1 (en) 2002-11-06 2002-11-06 X-ray tube, in particular microfocus X-ray tube

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EP1418610A1 EP1418610A1 (en) 2004-05-12
EP1418610B1 true EP1418610B1 (en) 2005-10-19

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US (1) US7050543B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1418610B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE307386T1 (en)
DE (2) DE10251635A1 (en)
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US8831179B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2014-09-09 Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc. X-ray source with selective beam repositioning
RU2645749C2 (en) * 2016-05-23 2018-02-28 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Рязанский государственный радиотехнический университет" Microfocus x-ray tube
DE102017105546B4 (en) * 2017-03-15 2018-10-18 Yxlon International Gmbh Socket for receiving a plug of a high-voltage cable for a microfocus X-ray tube, plug connection for a high-voltage cable
US20190272970A1 (en) * 2018-03-02 2019-09-05 AcceleRAD Technologies, Inc. Static collimator for reducing spot size of an electron beam

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE10251635A1 (en) 2004-05-27
ATE307386T1 (en) 2005-11-15
US7050543B2 (en) 2006-05-23
DE50301406D1 (en) 2006-03-02
US20040091081A1 (en) 2004-05-13
EP1418610A1 (en) 2004-05-12
DK1418610T3 (en) 2006-03-06

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