EP1769520B1 - Shielding for an x-ray source - Google Patents

Shielding for an x-ray source Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1769520B1
EP1769520B1 EP05759475A EP05759475A EP1769520B1 EP 1769520 B1 EP1769520 B1 EP 1769520B1 EP 05759475 A EP05759475 A EP 05759475A EP 05759475 A EP05759475 A EP 05759475A EP 1769520 B1 EP1769520 B1 EP 1769520B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
anode
ray
tube
tube elements
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP05759475A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1769520A1 (en
Inventor
Geoffrey Harding
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Smiths Detection Inc
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GE Homeland Protection Inc
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Publication of EP1769520A1 publication Critical patent/EP1769520A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J35/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J35/02—Details
    • H01J35/16—Vessels; Containers; Shields associated therewith
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2235/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J2235/08—Targets (anodes) and X-ray converters
    • H01J2235/081—Target material
    • H01J2235/082—Fluids, e.g. liquids, gases
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2235/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J2235/12—Cooling
    • H01J2235/1225—Cooling characterised by method
    • H01J2235/1262—Circulating fluids
    • H01J2235/1275—Circulating fluids characterised by the fluid
    • H01J2235/1279—Liquid metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2235/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J2235/16—Vessels
    • H01J2235/165—Shielding arrangements
    • H01J2235/166—Shielding arrangements against electromagnetic radiation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J2235/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J2235/16—Vessels
    • H01J2235/165—Shielding arrangements
    • H01J2235/167—Shielding arrangements against thermal (heat) energy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J35/00—X-ray tubes
    • H01J35/02—Details
    • H01J35/04—Electrodes ; Mutual position thereof; Constructional adaptations therefor
    • H01J35/08—Anodes; Anti cathodes
    • H01J35/112—Non-rotating anodes
    • H01J35/116—Transmissive anodes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an X-ray tube comprising a housing having an exit window with an anode module formed as a liquid metal X-ray source having an interaction module with a focus and a liquid metal circuit of tubular elements, and an anode housing in which the anode module is disposed. wherein the tube elements are bent so as to spatially limit the focus-forming X-ray beam in close proximity to the interaction module as a shield, and the tube elements are disposed within the anode housing.
  • a lead shield was placed around the X-ray tube, which has only one opening in the region of the X-ray exit window. Since the half-value layer thickness is about 5 mm when using this X-ray tube in the luggage inspection area due to the high voltage of some 100 kV, this shield has an enormous weight. For a CT application, this is problematic because the x-ray tube is attached to a gantry around the item of luggage to be examined must be rotated.
  • One attempt at solution was to bring the lead shield as close as possible to the focus of the x-ray anode, and to minimize its spatial extent.
  • an X-ray tube with anode of circulating fluid known.
  • the anode is formed by a solid block in which there are two tubular bores that meet in a region like the two parts of the numeral 8. In this area, the interaction zone of the liquid metal is formed with the electron beam.
  • the tube element is formed in a straight line in the region of the interaction module and thus has no shielding effect for the formation of the X-ray radiation.
  • Such an X-ray tube has to be arranged within a housing which, except for an exit window, has a sufficiently thick wall which absorbs the X-ray radiation.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to present an X-ray tube with a shield for a liquid metal X-ray source, which is as light as possible, is not melted by stray electrons and allows a good shielding of the scattered radiation.
  • an X-ray tube having the features of patent claim 1. Since the interaction module of the liquid metal X-ray source having the focus is embedded in a liquid metal circuit and thus connecting tube elements to the inlet and the outlet of the interaction module, these tube elements can be used to absorb the scattered radiation. The tube elements are bent so that they pass only the part of the X-ray corresponding to an exit window of the housing of the X-ray tube. The problem of melting the shield is not here, since the liquid metal in the tube elements is constantly circulated and is subjected to constant cooling. Since the shielding takes place directly in the area of the anode, ie also around the focus, the shield has only a low weight due to the very small spatial extent.
  • the interaction module is arranged in a hollow body, which consists of a material of good thermal conductivity, wherein the hollow body is connected at its side surfaces with the anode housing.
  • the hollow body can be assumed that the tube elements of the liquid metal circuit are wound onto this and thus a better mechanical stability of the shield is given. Due to the good thermal conductivity an excellent removal of the resulting heat is ensured.
  • a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements at least partially cover the surface of the hollow body and are arranged on the inner surface of the anode housing. This in turn increases the stability of the entire shield, since it is arranged on the one hand on the hollow body and the other on the anode housing.
  • the tube elements are spirally arranged on the surface of the hollow body and helically on the inner surface of the anode housing.
  • a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements are in good thermal contact with the surface of the hollow body. This avoids that the hollow body heats up so much that it begins to melt, since its heat is dissipated by the cooled liquid metal circuit.
  • a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements cover a solid angle of 50% to 75% in the region of the focus of the anode module. Thereby, it is possible that the released superfluous scattered radiation is effectively absorbed.
  • the tube elements cover a solid angle of 50% to 75% in the region of the focus of the anode module. Thereby, it is possible that the released superfluous scattered radiation is effectively absorbed.
  • At the back of the anode only a small opening must be present through which the electron beam can freely penetrate between the tube elements.
  • At the front as little X-ray radiation as possible should escape in lateral directions so that the tube elements do not cover only the smallest possible area.
  • a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements have bending radii greater than 10 mm, in particular in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. If the tube elements do not have sharp corners, there is no unnecessary pressure loss within the liquid metal circuit and the pump for the liquid metal circuit need not be oversized unnecessarily.
  • a further advantageous development of the invention provides that the hollow body and / or the anode housing are made of copper. Since copper is a good heat conductor, overheating of both the hollow body and the anode housing is avoided. The heat generated there is removed by the attached to them tube elements of the liquid circuit.
  • the tube elements are made of molybdenum with a diameter of 5 to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm.
  • Molybdenum has the advantage that it has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is perfectly matched to the remaining parts of the liquid metal cycle.
  • the specified Range of the diameter suitable that the required power of the pump motor for the circulation of the liquid metal is limited and thus the engine can be made very small.
  • the hollow body has a height of 7 to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm.
  • the focus of the X-ray anode in the form of the interaction module is well accommodated and at the same time the height is not too large, so that the shield in the form of the tube elements can still be placed very close to the focus and thus must cover only a small spatial area.
  • the weight of the shield is kept as low as possible.
  • FIG. 1 an x-ray tube 1 is shown in longitudinal section.
  • the x-ray tube 1 has a housing 2, in which a cathode 3 and an anode 5 are arranged.
  • the cathode 3 is designed in a known manner and is operated with a negative high voltage of about -250 kV.
  • an electron beam 4 is generated, which is positive charged anode 5 is accelerated.
  • At the anode 5 is a positive high voltage of about +250 kV.
  • the housing 2 is kept at ground potential. In such a case one obtains an X-ray spectrum which reaches up to 500 keV. This energy is sufficient to penetrate typical air cargo containers in a vertical projection.
  • Such an X-ray tube 1 is thus suitable for luggage monitoring, especially at airports.
  • a liquid metal anode is used, wherein the area of the focus is formed as an interaction module 9. At its inlet and outlet is followed in each case by a tubular element 10, through which the liquid metal 20 (see Fig. 2 ) by means of elements closer to FIG. 2 are shown, is circulated.
  • tube elements 10 tubes of molybdenum are used with a diameter of 10 mm. Depending on the application, of course, other diameters and other materials for the tube elements 10 are possible.
  • the entire liquid-metal anode is accommodated in an anode housing 6.
  • the anode housing 6 has an entrance aperture 7, through which the electron beam 4 passes. It strikes the interaction module 9 in the region of the focus and produces an X-ray beam 12 there.
  • the X-ray beam 12 exits the anode 5 through an exit aperture 8 in the anode housing 6. He then leaves through an exit window 13, the housing 2 and is available for the examination of a piece of luggage (not shown).
  • the anode housing 2 has smooth contours, for example, it is cylindrical or spherical, and is polished. This avoids high-voltage discharge due to peak effects, and there is no sparkover.
  • Both the entrance aperture 7 and the exit aperture 8 can be kept very small, so that within the anode housing 6, only a small electric field is present.
  • the shield 11 in the immediate vicinity of the interaction module 9 - and thus the focus - arranged. Since a significantly smaller surface area has to be covered at the same solid angle required outside the housing 2, the total mass of the shield 11 is also significantly lower than the shields known from the prior art.
  • the shield 11 is inventively formed by the tube elements 10 itself. The tube elements 10 are bent so that in the forward direction to the incident electron beam 4, only a small solid angle for the forwardly generated X-ray beam 12 is available in order to pass through the shield 11 unhindered. The remaining generated X-radiation is scattered radiation and is absorbed by the shield 11.
  • the tube elements 10 are bent so that they have the largest possible bending radius without corners in which a large pressure drop would occur. This ensures that the pump motor 15 (see Fig. 2 ) requires only a low power consumption and thus can only have a small spatial extent. As a result, the pump motor 15 can be accommodated within the anode housing 6, which ensures a compact construction of the anode 5.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross section through the anode housing 6 is shown.
  • the electron beam 4 impinges on the interaction module 9, which is arranged in a hollow body 14.
  • the hollow body 14 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper. It has a height of about 10 mm and is connected at its sides to the anode housing 6. Outside the hollow body 14 and within the anode housing 6 all components are housed, which are necessary for the liquid metal circuit.
  • a pump motor 15 which is connected via a drive shaft 19 with a magnetic disk 16.
  • the liquid metal 20 is pumped through the tube elements 10 and also flows through the interaction module 9 (see also FIG. 1 ).
  • a heat exchanger 18 is arranged, for example a cross-flow heat exchanger, which emits the heat generated in the focus and in the shield 11 to a cooling liquid, for example an insulating oil.
  • a cooling liquid for example an insulating oil.
  • an expansion chamber 17 is integrated into the liquid metal circuit, which keeps the pressure of the liquid metal 20 within the circuit constant. This is necessary because the liquid metal 20 expands or contracts depending on its temperature.
  • FIG. 1 already executed tube elements 10 wound on the outer surface of the hollow body 14 that they form a spiral.
  • the tube elements 10 are wound so that they rest in the form of a helix on the inside of the spherical anode housing 6.
  • Both the connection of the tube elements 10 with the hollow body 14 and with the anode housing 6 is thermally well conductive, so that any resulting in the anode housing 6 or the hollow body 14 heat can be removed immediately and well by the cooled liquid metal 20 in the tube elements 10.
  • the components which are matched to one another in detail, mean that the entire liquid metal circuit can be made very compact and thus can be arranged completely inside the anode housing 6. This also results in a very low weight for the anode 5, which is of paramount importance with regard to a rotating arrangement on a gantry around the item of luggage to be examined.
  • the shield 11 in the described form it is possible to effectively absorb both the emerging in the focus, but not required for the examination of a luggage scattered rays and dissipate the heat within the hollow body 14 due to the irradiation by means of secondary electrons, the the electron beam 4 are backscattered is generated.
  • an X-ray tube 1 according to the invention is provided by the shield 11, which enables an equivalent screening of scattered radiation with a significantly lower weight than the known X-ray tubes and thus can be better rotated on a gantry around a piece of luggage to be examined.

Abstract

The invention relates to a shielding (11) for an X-ray tube (1) whose anode module is configured as a liquid metal X-ray source having an interactive module (9) focused in a liquid metal circuit from tube elements (10) and being disposed inside an anode housing (6). The invention is characterized in that the tube elements (10) are bent to such a degree that they spatially delimit the emitted X-ray beam in the immediate vicinity of the interactive module (9) and just inside the anode housing (6).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Röntgenröhre mit einem Gehäuse, das ein Austrittsfenster aufweist, mit einem Anodenmodul, das als eine Flüssigmetallröntgenquelle ausgebildet ist, die ein Wechselwirkungsmodul mit einem Fokus und einen Flüssigmetallkreislauf aus Röhrenelementen aufweist, und mit einem Anodengehäuse, in dem das Anodenmodul angeordnet ist, wobei die Röhrenelemente so gebogen sind, dass sie den im Fokus entstehenden Röntgenstrahl in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Wechselwirkungsmodul räumlich als Abschirmung begrenzen, und die Röhrenelemente innerhalb des Anodengehäuses angeordnet sind.The invention relates to an X-ray tube comprising a housing having an exit window with an anode module formed as a liquid metal X-ray source having an interaction module with a focus and a liquid metal circuit of tubular elements, and an anode housing in which the anode module is disposed. wherein the tube elements are bent so as to spatially limit the focus-forming X-ray beam in close proximity to the interaction module as a shield, and the tube elements are disposed within the anode housing.

Konventionelle Röntgensysteme ermöglichen es nicht, explosive Stoffe mit ausreichender Genauigkeit in Gepäckstücken zu detektieren. Dieses Problem wird nur unbefriedigend durch Computertomographie(CT)-Systeme gelöst, da diese eine hohe Falschalarmrate aufweisen. In diesen Fällen ist es nötig, zusätzlich eine molekülspezifische Analyse wie etwa die XDT (x-ray diffraction tomography) vorzunehmen. Deshalb wurde vor nicht allzu langer Zeit die Verwendung einer Hochleistungs-Flüssigmetallanode innerhalb des Röntgensystems vorgeschlagen. Allerdings bleibt auch hier das Problem, dass ein gewisser Grad an Leckstrahlung generiert wird, der in irgendeiner Weise abgeschirmt werden muss, da nur der für die Analyse benötigte Röntgenstrahl aus der Röntgenröhre austreten darf. Deshalb wurde eine Abschirmung aus Blei um die Röntgenröhre herum angeordnet, die lediglich eine Öffnung im Bereich des Austrittsfensters der Röntgenstrahlung aufweist. Da die Halbwertsschichtdicke beim Einsatz dieser Röntgenröhre im Gepäckprüfbereich aufgrund der hohen Spannung von einigen 100 kV bei ca. 5 mm liegt, weist diese Abschirmung ein enormes Gewicht auf. Für eine CT-Anwendung ist dies problematisch, da die Röntgenröhre an einer Gantry um das zu untersuchende Gepäckstück rotiert werden muss. Ein Lösungsversuch war es, die Bleiabschirmung so nah wie möglich an den Fokus der Röntgenanode heranzubringen, und seine räumliche Ausdehnung zu minimieren. Dies schlug jedoch fehl, da der Elektronenstrahl einer Flüssigmetallanodenröntgenquelle für die Anwendung im Gepäckprüfbereich sehr hohe Leistungen aufweist; die im Bereich von über 10 kW liegen und die bei der Röntgenstrahlerzeugung entstehenden Streuelektronen einen so hohen Fluss aufweisen, dass die Abschirmung schnell aufgeschmolzen wird.Conventional X-ray systems do not make it possible to detect explosive substances with sufficient accuracy in pieces of luggage. This problem is only unsatisfactorily solved by computed tomography (CT) systems, since they have a high false alarm rate. In these cases, it is necessary to additionally perform a molecule-specific analysis, such as x-ray diffraction tomography (XDT). Therefore, not so long ago, the use of a high performance liquid metal anode within the X-ray system has been proposed. However, the problem here remains that a certain amount of leakage radiation is generated, which has to be shielded in some way, since only the X-ray required for the analysis may exit from the X-ray tube. Therefore, a lead shield was placed around the X-ray tube, which has only one opening in the region of the X-ray exit window. Since the half-value layer thickness is about 5 mm when using this X-ray tube in the luggage inspection area due to the high voltage of some 100 kV, this shield has an enormous weight. For a CT application, this is problematic because the x-ray tube is attached to a gantry around the item of luggage to be examined must be rotated. One attempt at solution was to bring the lead shield as close as possible to the focus of the x-ray anode, and to minimize its spatial extent. However, this failed because the electron beam of a liquid-metal anode X-ray source has very high performances for use in the luggage inspection area; which are in the range of more than 10 kW and the generated during the X-ray generation scattered electrons have such a high flux that the shield is melted quickly.

Aus der US 2,665,390 ist eine Flüssigmetallanode bekannt, deren Flüssigmetallkreislauf innerhalb der Anode eine gerade Röhre aufweist, die unterschiedliche Querschnitte haben kann - sowohl kreisrunde als auch elliptische oder rechteckige. Eine Abschirmung der innerhalb des Röhrenelements im Flüssigmetall entstehenden Röntgenstrahlung erfolgt lediglich in der Erstreckungsrichtung des Röhrenelements sowie durch das Flüssigmetall, das sich in dem Teil des Röhrenelements befindet, das in Vorwärtsrichtung der auftreffenden Elektronen vorhanden ist.From the US 2,665,390 is known a liquid metal anode whose liquid metal circuit within the anode has a straight tube, which may have different cross-sections - both circular as well as elliptical or rectangular. Shielding of the X-ray radiation produced within the tubular element in the liquid metal takes place only in the direction of extension of the tubular element and by the liquid metal which is located in that part of the tubular element which is present in the forward direction of the incident electrons.

Aus der DE 726 594 ist eine Röntgenröhre mit Anode aus umlaufender Flüssigkeit bekannt. Die Anode wird durch einen massiven Block gebildet, in dem zwei rohrförmige Bohrungen vorhanden sind, die sich wie die zwei Teile der Ziffer 8 in einem Bereich treffen. In diesem Bereich ist die Wechselwirkungszone des Flüssigmetalls mit dem Elektronenstrahl ausgebildet.From the DE 726 594 is an X-ray tube with anode of circulating fluid known. The anode is formed by a solid block in which there are two tubular bores that meet in a region like the two parts of the numeral 8. In this area, the interaction zone of the liquid metal is formed with the electron beam.

Darüber hinaus ist aus der US 2002/0080919 A1 eine Röntgenröhre mit einem Flüssigmetalltarget bekannt, welches ein Wechselwirkungsmodul aufweist, in dem die Röntgenstrahlung durch den auftreffenden Elektronenstrahl gebildet wird.In addition, from the US 2002/0080919 A1 an X-ray tube with a liquid metal target is known, which has an interaction module in which the X-radiation is formed by the incident electron beam.

Das Röhrenelement ist im Bereich des Wechselwirkungsmoduls geradlinig ausgebildet und hat somit keine Abschirmungswirkung für die Entstehung der Röntgenstrahlung. Eine solche Röntgenröhre muss innerhalb eines Gehäuses angeordnet werden, das bis auf ein Austrittsfenster eine hinreichend dicke Wand aufweist, die die Röntgenstrahlung absorbiert.The tube element is formed in a straight line in the region of the interaction module and thus has no shielding effect for the formation of the X-ray radiation. Such an X-ray tube has to be arranged within a housing which, except for an exit window, has a sufficiently thick wall which absorbs the X-ray radiation.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es demnach, eine Röntgenröhre mit einer Abschirmung für eine Flüssigmetallröntgenquelle vorzustellen, die möglichst leicht ist, nicht durch Streuelektronen aufgeschmolzen wird und eine gute Abschirmung der Streustrahlung ermöglicht.The object of the invention is therefore to present an X-ray tube with a shield for a liquid metal X-ray source, which is as light as possible, is not melted by stray electrons and allows a good shielding of the scattered radiation.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Röntgenröhre mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Da das Wechselwirkungsmodul der Flüssigmetallröntgenquelle, das den Fokus aufweist, in einen Flüssigmetallkreislauf eingebettet ist und somit Röhrenelemente an den Einlass und den Auslass des Wechselwirkungsmoduls anschließen, können diese Röhrenelemente dazu verwendet werden, die Streustrahlung zu absorbieren. Die Röhrenelemente sind dabei so gebogen, dass sie lediglich den Teil des Röntgenstrahls durchlassen, der einem Austrittsfenster des Gehäuses der Röntgenröhre entspricht. Das Problem des Aufschmelzens der Abschirmung besteht hier nicht, da das Flüssigmetall in den Röhrenelementen ständig umgewälzt wird und einer ständigen Kühlung unterzogen wird. Da die Abschirmung direkt im Bereich der Anode, also auch um den Fokus herum, erfolgt, weist die Abschirmung aufgrund der sehr geringen räumlichen Ausdehnung nur ein geringes Gewicht auf. Im Ergebnis erhält man somit eine Selbstabschirmung der Röntgenquelle durch den Flüssigmetallkreislauf, der sowieso bei Flüssigmetallanoden vorhanden ist. Als positiver Zusatzeffekt fällt auch die Kühlung des Gehäuses der Röntgenröhre weg, da sämtliche Streuelektronen schon im Flüssigmetallkreislauf, also der Abschirmung, abgefangen werden. Da die bevorzugten und bekannten Flüssigmetalle für die Flüssigmetallanode Bleilegierungen sind, erfolgt eine sehr gute Abschirmung der im Fokus entstehenden Streustrahlung.This object is achieved by an X-ray tube having the features of patent claim 1. Since the interaction module of the liquid metal X-ray source having the focus is embedded in a liquid metal circuit and thus connecting tube elements to the inlet and the outlet of the interaction module, these tube elements can be used to absorb the scattered radiation. The tube elements are bent so that they pass only the part of the X-ray corresponding to an exit window of the housing of the X-ray tube. The problem of melting the shield is not here, since the liquid metal in the tube elements is constantly circulated and is subjected to constant cooling. Since the shielding takes place directly in the area of the anode, ie also around the focus, the shield has only a low weight due to the very small spatial extent. As a result, one obtains a self-shielding of the X-ray source by the liquid metal circuit, which is present anyway with liquid metal anodes. As a positive additional effect, the cooling of the housing of the X-ray tube is omitted, since all scattered electrons already in the liquid metal circuit, ie the shielding, be intercepted. Since the preferred and known liquid metals for the liquid-metal anode are lead alloys, there is a very good shielding of the scattered radiation which arises in the focus.

Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass das Wechselwirkungsmodul in einem Hohlkörper angeordnet ist, der aus einem Material guter Wärmeleitfähigkeit besteht, wobei der Hohlkörper an seinen Seitenflächen mit dem Anodengehäuse verbunden ist. Der Hohlkörper kann dafür hergenommen werden, dass die Röhrenelemente des Flüssigmetallkreislaufs auf diesen aufgewickelt werden und somit eine bessere mechanische Stabilität der Abschirmung gegeben ist. Aufgrund der guten Wärmeleitfähigkeit wird ein hervorragender Abtransport der entstehenden Wärme gewährleistet.An advantageous development of the invention provides that the interaction module is arranged in a hollow body, which consists of a material of good thermal conductivity, wherein the hollow body is connected at its side surfaces with the anode housing. The hollow body can be assumed that the tube elements of the liquid metal circuit are wound onto this and thus a better mechanical stability of the shield is given. Due to the good thermal conductivity an excellent removal of the resulting heat is ensured.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Röhrenelemente die Oberfläche des Hohlkörpers zumindest teilweise bedecken und an der Innenfläche des Anodengehäuses angeordnet sind. Dadurch wird wiederum die Stabilität der gesamten Abschirmung erhöht, da sie zum einen auf dem Hohlkörper angeordnet ist und zum anderen am Anodengehäuse. Besonders bevorzugt sind die Röhrenelemente spiralförmig an der Oberfläche des Hohlkörpers und schneckenförmig an der Innenfläche des Anodengehäuses angeordnet.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements at least partially cover the surface of the hollow body and are arranged on the inner surface of the anode housing. This in turn increases the stability of the entire shield, since it is arranged on the one hand on the hollow body and the other on the anode housing. Particularly preferably, the tube elements are spirally arranged on the surface of the hollow body and helically on the inner surface of the anode housing.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Röhrenelemente in guten thermischen Kontakt mit der Oberfläche des Hohlkörpers sind. Dadurch wird vermieden, dass sich der Hohlkörper so stark erhitzt, dass er zu schmelzen beginnt, da seine Wärme von dem gekühlten Flüssigmetallkreislauf abgeführt wird.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements are in good thermal contact with the surface of the hollow body. This avoids that the hollow body heats up so much that it begins to melt, since its heat is dissipated by the cooled liquid metal circuit.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Röhrenelemente einen Raumwinkel von 50% bis 75% im Bereich des Fokus des Anodenmoduls abdecken. Dadurch ist es möglich, dass die freigesetzte überflüssige Streustrahlung effektiv absorbiert wird. An der Rückseite der Anode muss lediglich eine kleine Öffnung vorhanden sein, durch die der Elektronenstrahl ungehindert zwischen den Röhrenelementen dringen kann. An der Vorderseite sollte in seitlichen Richtungen so wenig Röntgenstrahlung wie möglich entweichen, so dass die Röhrenelemente auch hier nur einen möglichst kleinen Bereich nicht abdecken.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements cover a solid angle of 50% to 75% in the region of the focus of the anode module. Thereby, it is possible that the released superfluous scattered radiation is effectively absorbed. At the back of the anode, only a small opening must be present through which the electron beam can freely penetrate between the tube elements. At the front, as little X-ray radiation as possible should escape in lateral directions so that the tube elements do not cover only the smallest possible area.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Röhrenelemente Biegungsradien größer als 10 mm, insbesondere im Bereich von 10 mm bis 20 mm, aufweisen. Wenn die Röhrenelemente keine scharfen Ecken aufweisen, erfolgt kein unnötiger Druckverlust innerhalb des Flüssigmetallkreislaufes und die Pumpe für den Flüssigmetallkreislauf muss nicht unnötig groß dimensioniert werden.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements have bending radii greater than 10 mm, in particular in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. If the tube elements do not have sharp corners, there is no unnecessary pressure loss within the liquid metal circuit and the pump for the liquid metal circuit need not be oversized unnecessarily.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der Hohlkörper und/oder das Anodengehäuse aus Kupfer sind. Da Kupfer ein guter Wärmeleiter ist, wird eine Überhitzung sowohl des Hohlkörpers als auch des Anodengehäuses vermieden. Die dort entstehende Wärme wird durch die an ihnen angebrachten Röhrenelemente des Flüssigkreislaufes abtransportiert.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the hollow body and / or the anode housing are made of copper. Since copper is a good heat conductor, overheating of both the hollow body and the anode housing is avoided. The heat generated there is removed by the attached to them tube elements of the liquid circuit.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Röhrenelemente aus Molybdän mit einem Durchmesser von 5 bis 20 mm, insbesondere 10 mm, sind. Molybdän hat den Vorteil, dass es einen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweist, der hervorragend auf die restlichen Teile des Flüssigmetallkreislaufs abgestimmt ist. Darüber hinaus ist der angegebene Bereich des Durchmessers dafür geeignet, dass sich die benötigte Leistung des Pumpenmotors für die Umwälzung des Flüssigmetalls in Grenzen hält und somit der Motor sehr klein ausgebildet werden kann.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the tube elements are made of molybdenum with a diameter of 5 to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm. Molybdenum has the advantage that it has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is perfectly matched to the remaining parts of the liquid metal cycle. In addition, the specified Range of the diameter suitable that the required power of the pump motor for the circulation of the liquid metal is limited and thus the engine can be made very small.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der Hohlkörper eine Höhe von 7 bis 20 mm, insbesondere 10 mm, hat. In diesen Abmessungen ist der Fokus der Röntgenanode in Form des Wechselwirkungsmoduls gut unterbringbar und gleichzeitig ist die Höhe nicht zu groß, so dass die Abschirmung in Form der Röhrenelemente immer noch sehr nahe am Fokus angeordnet werden kann und somit nur einen kleinen räumlichen Bereich abdecken muss. Dadurch wird das Gewicht der Abschirmung möglichst gering gehalten.A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the hollow body has a height of 7 to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm. In these dimensions, the focus of the X-ray anode in the form of the interaction module is well accommodated and at the same time the height is not too large, so that the shield in the form of the tube elements can still be placed very close to the focus and thus must cover only a small spatial area. As a result, the weight of the shield is kept as low as possible.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird weiter anhand der Zeichnungen erläutert. Im Einzelnen zeigen:

Figur 1
einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch eine Abschirmung einer erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigmetallanodenröntgenröhre in der Ebene des Elektronenstrahlfokus und
Figur 2
einen vergrößert dargestellten schematischen Querschnitt durch die Anode der Figur 1 in einer Ebene senkrecht zum Elektronenstrahl.
An advantageous embodiment of the invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings. In detail show:
FIG. 1
a schematic longitudinal section through a shield of a liquid metal anode X-ray tube according to the invention in the plane of the electron beam focus and
FIG. 2
an enlarged schematic cross section through the anode of FIG. 1 in a plane perpendicular to the electron beam.

In Figur 1 ist eine Röntgenröhre 1 im Längsschnitt dargestellt. Die Röntgenröhre 1 weist ein Gehäuse 2 auf, in dem eine Kathode 3 sowie eine Anode 5 angeordnet sind.In FIG. 1 an x-ray tube 1 is shown in longitudinal section. The x-ray tube 1 has a housing 2, in which a cathode 3 and an anode 5 are arranged.

Die Kathode 3 ist in bekannter Art und Weise ausgeführt und wird mit negativer Hochspannung von ca. -250 kV betrieben. Im Filament wird ein Elektronenstrahl 4 erzeugt, der zur positiv geladenen Anode 5 hin beschleunigt wird. An der Anode 5 liegt eine positive Hochspannung von ca. +250 kV an. Dagegen wird das Gehäuse 2 auf Erdpotential gehalten. In einem solchen Fall erhält man ein Röntgenstrahlenspektrum, das bis zu 500 keV reicht. Diese Energie reicht aus, um typische Luftfrachtcontainer in einer Vertikalprojektion zu durchdringen. Eine solche Röntgenröhre 1 ist somit für die Gepäcküberwachung geeignet, insbesondere auf Flughäfen.The cathode 3 is designed in a known manner and is operated with a negative high voltage of about -250 kV. In the filament, an electron beam 4 is generated, which is positive charged anode 5 is accelerated. At the anode 5 is a positive high voltage of about +250 kV. In contrast, the housing 2 is kept at ground potential. In such a case one obtains an X-ray spectrum which reaches up to 500 keV. This energy is sufficient to penetrate typical air cargo containers in a vertical projection. Such an X-ray tube 1 is thus suitable for luggage monitoring, especially at airports.

Als Anode 5 wird eine Flüssigmetallanode verwendet, wobei der Bereich des Fokus als ein Wechselwirkungsmodul 9 ausgebildet ist. An dessen Ein- und Austritt schließt sich jeweils ein Röhrenelement 10 an, durch das das Flüssigmetall 20 (siehe Fig. 2) mittels Elementen, die näher in Figur 2 dargestellt sind, umgewälzt wird. Als Röhrenelemente 10 werden Röhren aus Molybdän mit einem Durchmesser von 10 mm verwendet. Je nach Anwendungsfall sind natürlich auch andere Durchmesser und andere Materialien für die Röhrenelemente 10 möglich. Die gesamte Flüssigmetallanode ist in einem Anodengehäuse 6 untergebracht. Das Anodengehäuse 6 weist eine Eintrittsapertur 7 auf, durch die der Elektronenstrahl 4 hindurchtritt. Er trifft auf das Wechselwirkungsmodul 9 im Bereich des Fokus auf und produziert dort einen Röntgenstrahl 12. Der Röntgenstrahl 12 tritt durch eine Austrittsapertur 8 im Anodengehäuse 6 aus der Anode 5 aus. Er verlässt dann durch ein Austrittsfenster 13 das Gehäuse 2 und steht für die Untersuchung eines Gepäckstücks (nicht gezeigt) zur Verfügung.As the anode 5, a liquid metal anode is used, wherein the area of the focus is formed as an interaction module 9. At its inlet and outlet is followed in each case by a tubular element 10, through which the liquid metal 20 (see Fig. 2 ) by means of elements closer to FIG. 2 are shown, is circulated. As tube elements 10 tubes of molybdenum are used with a diameter of 10 mm. Depending on the application, of course, other diameters and other materials for the tube elements 10 are possible. The entire liquid-metal anode is accommodated in an anode housing 6. The anode housing 6 has an entrance aperture 7, through which the electron beam 4 passes. It strikes the interaction module 9 in the region of the focus and produces an X-ray beam 12 there. The X-ray beam 12 exits the anode 5 through an exit aperture 8 in the anode housing 6. He then leaves through an exit window 13, the housing 2 and is available for the examination of a piece of luggage (not shown).

Das Anodengehäuse 2 weist glatte Konturen auf, beispielsweise ist es zylinder- oder kugelförmig ausgebildet, und ist poliert. Dadurch wird eine Hochspannungsentladung aufgrund von Spitzeneffekten vermieden und es findet kein Funkenüberschlag statt.The anode housing 2 has smooth contours, for example, it is cylindrical or spherical, and is polished. This avoids high-voltage discharge due to peak effects, and there is no sparkover.

Sowohl die Eintrittsapertur 7 als auch die Austrittsapertur 8 können sehr klein gehalten werden, damit innerhalb des Anodengehäuses 6 nur ein kleines elektrisches Feld vorhanden ist.Both the entrance aperture 7 and the exit aperture 8 can be kept very small, so that within the anode housing 6, only a small electric field is present.

Anders als bei Geräten gemäß dem Stand der Technik, wo die Abschirmung aus Blei gegen Streustrahlung außerhalb des Gehäuses 2 angeordnet ist, ist erfindungsgemäß die Abschirmung 11 in der direkten Umgebung des Wechselwirkungsmoduls 9 - und somit des Fokus - angeordnet. Da somit bei demselben Raumwinkel, der außerhalb des Gehäuses 2 benötigt wird, eine bedeutend geringere Oberfläche abgedeckt werden muss, ist auch die Gesamtmasse der Abschirmung 11 gegenüber den aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Abschirmungen bedeutend geringer. Die Abschirmung 11 ist erfindungsgemäß durch die Röhrenelemente 10 selbst gebildet. Die Röhrenelemente 10 sind dabei so gebogen, dass in Vorwärtsrichtung zum einfallenden Elektronenstrahl 4 nur ein kleiner Raumwinkel für den in Vorwärtsrichtung generierten Röntgenstrahl 12 zur Verfügung steht, um ungehindert durch die Abschirmung 11 hindurchtreten zu können. Die restliche erzeugte Röntgenstrahlung ist Streustrahlung und wird durch die Abschirmung 11 absorbiert.Unlike devices according to the prior art, where the lead shield is arranged against stray radiation outside the housing 2, the shield 11 according to the invention in the immediate vicinity of the interaction module 9 - and thus the focus - arranged. Since a significantly smaller surface area has to be covered at the same solid angle required outside the housing 2, the total mass of the shield 11 is also significantly lower than the shields known from the prior art. The shield 11 is inventively formed by the tube elements 10 itself. The tube elements 10 are bent so that in the forward direction to the incident electron beam 4, only a small solid angle for the forwardly generated X-ray beam 12 is available in order to pass through the shield 11 unhindered. The remaining generated X-radiation is scattered radiation and is absorbed by the shield 11.

Dies ist möglich, da in den Molybdän-Leitungen der Röhrenelemente 10 Bleiverbindungen zirkulieren. Diese weisen einen hohen Wirkungsquerschnitt mit Röntgenstrahlung auf, so dass eine gute Absorption gewährleistet ist. Darüber hinaus werden auch Streuelektronen innerhalb der Abschirmung 11 effektiv absorbiert, so dass diese nicht gegen das Anodengehäuse 6 prallen. Eine Überhitzung der Röhrenelemente 10 oder sogar ein Aufschmelzen erfolgt nicht, da die in der Abschirmung 11 entstehende Wärme aufgrund des Umpumpens und Kühlens des Flüssigmetalls 20 (siehe Fig. 2) sofort abtransportiert wird.This is possible because in the molybdenum lines of the tube elements 10 lead compounds circulate. These have a high cross-section with X-radiation, so that a good absorption is ensured. In addition, stray electrons within the shield 11 are also effectively absorbed, so that they do not collide against the anode housing 6. An overheating of the tube elements 10 or even a melting does not take place, since the heat generated in the shield 11 due to the pumping and cooling of the liquid metal 20 (see Fig. 2 ) is transported immediately.

Die Röhrenelemente 10 sind dabei so gebogen, dass sie einen möglichst großen Biegeradius ohne Ecken aufweisen, in denen ein starker Druckabfall entstehen würde. Dadurch wird gewährleistet, dass der Pumpenmotor 15 (siehe Fig. 2) nur eine geringe Leistungsaufnahme benötigt und somit auch nur eine geringe räumliche Ausdehnung haben kann. Dies führt dazu, dass der Pumpenmotor 15 innerhalb des Anodengehäuses 6 untergebracht werden kann, was eine kompakte Bauweise der Anode 5 gewährleistet.The tube elements 10 are bent so that they have the largest possible bending radius without corners in which a large pressure drop would occur. This ensures that the pump motor 15 (see Fig. 2 ) requires only a low power consumption and thus can only have a small spatial extent. As a result, the pump motor 15 can be accommodated within the anode housing 6, which ensures a compact construction of the anode 5.

In Fig. 2 ist ein Querschnitt durch das Anodengehäuse 6 dargestellt. Der Elektronenstrahl 4 trifft auf das Wechselwirkungsmodul 9 auf, das in einem Hohlkörper 14 angeordnet ist. Der Hohlkörper 14 ist dabei aus einem Material mit guter Wärmeleitfähigkeit, beispielsweise Kupfer, gefertigt. Er weist eine Höhe von ca. 10 mm auf und ist an seinen Seiten mit dem Anodengehäuse 6 verbunden. Außerhalb des Hohlkörpers 14 und innerhalb des Anodengehäuses 6 sind sämtliche Komponenten untergebracht, die für den Flüssigmetallkreislauf nötig sind.In Fig. 2 is a cross section through the anode housing 6 is shown. The electron beam 4 impinges on the interaction module 9, which is arranged in a hollow body 14. The hollow body 14 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper. It has a height of about 10 mm and is connected at its sides to the anode housing 6. Outside the hollow body 14 and within the anode housing 6 all components are housed, which are necessary for the liquid metal circuit.

Hierbei handelt es sich um einen Pumpenmotor 15, der über eine Antriebswelle 19 mit einer Magnetscheibe 16 verbunden ist. Mittels des magnetohydrodynamischen Effekts wird das Flüssigmetall 20 durch die Röhrenelemente 10 gepumpt und durchströmt dabei auch das Wechselwirkungsmodul 9 (siehe auch Figur 1). Im Flüssigmetallkreislauf ist ein Wärmetauscher 18 angeordnet, beispielsweise ein Querstrom-Wärmetauscher, der die im Fokus und in der Abschirmung 11 entstehende Hitze an eine Kühlflüssigkeit, beispielsweise ein isolierendes Öl, abgibt. Neben dem Wärmetauscher 18 ist eine Expansionskammer 17 in den Flüssigmetallkreislauf integriert, die den Druck des Flüssigmetalls 20 innerhalb des Kreislaufes konstant hält. Dies ist nötig, da sich das Flüssigmetall 20 in Abhängigkeit seiner Temperatur ausdehnt oder zusammenzieht.This is a pump motor 15, which is connected via a drive shaft 19 with a magnetic disk 16. By means of the magnetohydrodynamic effect, the liquid metal 20 is pumped through the tube elements 10 and also flows through the interaction module 9 (see also FIG FIG. 1 ). In the liquid metal circuit, a heat exchanger 18 is arranged, for example a cross-flow heat exchanger, which emits the heat generated in the focus and in the shield 11 to a cooling liquid, for example an insulating oil. In addition to the heat exchanger 18, an expansion chamber 17 is integrated into the liquid metal circuit, which keeps the pressure of the liquid metal 20 within the circuit constant. This is necessary because the liquid metal 20 expands or contracts depending on its temperature.

Schließlich sind die zu Figur 1 schon ausgeführten Röhrenelemente 10 so auf die Außenfläche des Hohlkörpers 14 aufgewickelt, dass sie eine Spirale formen. Darüber hinaus sind die Röhrenelemente 10 gewunden, so dass sie in Form einer Helix an der Innenseite des sphärischen Anodengehäuses 6 anliegen. Sowohl die Verbindung der Röhrenelemente 10 mit dem Hohlkörper 14 als auch mit dem Anodengehäuse 6 ist thermisch gut leitend, so dass eventuell in dem Anodengehäuse 6 oder dem Hohlkörper 14 entstehende Wärme sofort und gut durch das gekühlte Flüssigmetall 20 in den Röhrenelementen 10 abtransportiert werden kann.After all, they are too FIG. 1 already executed tube elements 10 wound on the outer surface of the hollow body 14 that they form a spiral. In addition, the tube elements 10 are wound so that they rest in the form of a helix on the inside of the spherical anode housing 6. Both the connection of the tube elements 10 with the hollow body 14 and with the anode housing 6 is thermally well conductive, so that any resulting in the anode housing 6 or the hollow body 14 heat can be removed immediately and well by the cooled liquid metal 20 in the tube elements 10.

Um den magnetohydrodynamischen Effekt, der durch die Magnetscheibe 16 zu einer Umwälzung des Flüssigmetalls 20 innerhalb des Flüssigmetallkreislaufes führt, besonders gut zur Geltung zu bringen, ist die Form der Führung der Röhrenelemente 10 in dem Bereich, der der Magnetscheibe 16 gegenüberliegt, optimiert. Da dies jedoch nicht Gegenstand der Erfindung ist und aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist, wird hierauf nicht näher eingegangen. Darüber hinaus ist für die Ausgestaltung der Röhrenelemente 10 darauf zu achten - wie oben zur Figur 1 schon erwähnt -, dass möglichst keine scharfen Ecken vorhanden sind, um Druckverluste zu vermeiden.In order to bring out particularly well the magnetohydrodynamic effect, which leads through the magnetic disk 16 to a circulation of the liquid metal 20 within the liquid metal circuit, the shape of the guide of the tube elements 10 in the region opposite to the magnetic disk 16, optimized. However, since this is not the subject of the invention and is known from the prior art, will not be discussed in detail. In addition, care must be taken for the design of the tube elements 10 - as above to FIG. 1 already mentioned - that as far as possible no sharp corners are present in order to avoid pressure losses.

Im Ergebnis führen die im Einzelnen aufeinander abgestimmten Komponenten dazu, dass der gesamte Flüssigmetallkreislauf sehr kompakt ausgeführt werden kann und somit vollständig innerhalb des Anodengehäuses 6 angeordnet sein kann. Damit ergibt sich auch ein sehr geringes Gewicht für die Anode 5, was hinsichtlich einer rotierenden Anordnung an einer Gantry um das zu untersuchende Gepäckstück von größter Bedeutung ist.As a result, the components, which are matched to one another in detail, mean that the entire liquid metal circuit can be made very compact and thus can be arranged completely inside the anode housing 6. This also results in a very low weight for the anode 5, which is of paramount importance with regard to a rotating arrangement on a gantry around the item of luggage to be examined.

Aufgrund der Abschirmung 11 in der beschriebenen Form ist es möglich, sowohl die im Fokus auch entstehenden, aber für die Untersuchung eines Gepäckstücks nicht benötigten Streustrahlen effektiv zu absorbieren als auch die wärme abzuführen, die innerhalb des Hohlkörpers 14 aufgrund der Bestrahlung mittels Sekundärelektronen, die aus dem Elektronenstrahl 4 rückgestrahlt werden, erzeugt wird.Due to the shield 11 in the described form, it is possible to effectively absorb both the emerging in the focus, but not required for the examination of a luggage scattered rays and dissipate the heat within the hollow body 14 due to the irradiation by means of secondary electrons, the the electron beam 4 are backscattered is generated.

Zusammenfassend kann gesagt werden, dass mittels der Abschirmung 11 eine erfindungsgemäßen Röntgenröhre 1 zur Verfügung gestellt wird, die mit einem bedeutend geringeren Gewicht als die bekannten Röntgenröhren eine gleichwertige Abschirmung von Streustrahlung ermöglicht und somit besser an einer Gantry um ein zu untersuchendes Gepäckstück rotiert werden kann.In summary, it can be stated that an X-ray tube 1 according to the invention is provided by the shield 11, which enables an equivalent screening of scattered radiation with a significantly lower weight than the known X-ray tubes and thus can be better rotated on a gantry around a piece of luggage to be examined.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
RöntgenröhreX-ray tube
22
Gehäusecasing
33
Kathodecathode
44
Elektronenstrahlelectron beam
55
Anodeanode
66
Anodengehäuseanode housing
77
Eintrittsaperturentrance aperture
88th
Austrittsaperturexit aperture
99
Wechselwirkungsmodul (mit Fokus)Interaction module (with focus)
1010
Röhrenelementtubular member
1111
Abschirmungshielding
1212
RöntgenstrahlX-ray
1313
Austrittsfensterexit window
1414
Hohlkörperhollow body
1515
Pumpenmotorpump motor
1616
Magnetscheibemagnetic disk
1717
Expansionskammerexpansion chamber
1818
Wärmetauscherheat exchangers
1919
Antriebswelledrive shaft
2020
Flüssigmetallliquid metal

Claims (11)

  1. X-ray tube (1) with a housing (2), which has an exit window (13), with an anode module, which is designed as a liquid metal X-ray source, which has an interaction module (9) with a focus and a liquid metal cycle of tube elements (10), and with an anode housing (6), in which the anode module is located, in which the tube elements (10) are bent so that they define the X-ray (12) emerging in the focus in the immediate vicinity to the interaction module (9) spatially as screen (11), and the tube elements (10) are arranged within the anode housing (6),
    characterized in that
    the tube elements (10) only let the part of the X-ray pass, which corresponds to the exit window (13) of the housing (2) of the X-ray tube (1).
  2. X-ray tube (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it has a hollow body (14), in which the interaction module is arranged, in which the hollow body (14) consists of a material of good thermal conductivity and is connected to its lateral surfaces with the anode housing (6).
  3. X-ray tube (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the tube elements (10) at least partially cover the surface of the hollow body (14) and are located on the inner surface of the anode housing (6).
  4. X-ray tube (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the tube elements (10) are arranged spirally on the surface of the hollow body (14) and are arranged helically on the inner surface of the anode housing (6).
  5. X-ray tube (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the tube elements (10) are in good thermal contact with the surface of the hollow body (14).
  6. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the hollow body (14) is made of copper.
  7. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the hollow body (14) has a height of 7 to 20 mm, in particular 10 mm.
  8. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube elements (10) cover a solid angle of 50% to 75% in the area of the focus of the anode module.
  9. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube elements (10) have bending radii greater than 10 mm, particularly in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm.
  10. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anode housing (6) is made of copper.
  11. X-ray tube (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube elements (10) are made of molybdenum with a diameter of 5 to 20 mm.
EP05759475A 2004-07-01 2005-07-01 Shielding for an x-ray source Not-in-force EP1769520B1 (en)

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DE102004031973A DE102004031973B4 (en) 2004-07-01 2004-07-01 Shielding an X-ray source
PCT/EP2005/007139 WO2006002958A1 (en) 2004-07-01 2005-07-01 Shielding for an x-ray source

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DE102013220189A1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2015-04-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft X-ray source and method for generating X-ray radiation
US9863342B2 (en) 2015-09-25 2018-01-09 General Electric Company System and method for controlling an engine air-fuel ratio

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE726594C (en) * 1939-05-13 1942-10-16 Dr Med Werner Koose X-ray tube with anode made from circulating fluid
NL171866B (en) * 1951-08-18 Unilever Nv PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A PARTIALLY SULFIDATED METALLIC SUPPORTED CATALYST.
GB897577A (en) * 1959-07-15 1962-05-30 Bristol Siddeley Engines Ltd Improvements in or relating to apparatus for producing a jet consisting of a plasma of ions and electrons
JPS63253854A (en) * 1987-04-06 1988-10-20 Power Reactor & Nuclear Fuel Dev Corp Electromagnetic pump inserted into tank
DE10062928A1 (en) * 2000-12-16 2002-06-20 Philips Corp Intellectual Pty X-ray tube with liquid metal target
DE10106740A1 (en) * 2001-02-14 2002-08-22 Philips Corp Intellectual Pty X-ray tube with a target made of a liquid metal
DE10129463A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-01-02 Philips Corp Intellectual Pty X-ray tube with a liquid metal target
DE10130070A1 (en) * 2001-06-21 2003-01-02 Philips Corp Intellectual Pty X-ray tube with liquid metal target
JP3898029B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2007-03-28 ジーイー・メディカル・システムズ・グローバル・テクノロジー・カンパニー・エルエルシー X-ray generator
US6961408B2 (en) * 2002-03-08 2005-11-01 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Device for generating X-rays having a liquid metal anode
JP2006510192A (en) * 2002-12-11 2006-03-23 コーニンクレッカ　フィリップス　エレクトロニクス　エヌ　ヴィ X-ray source for monochromatic X-ray generation

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DE502005006084D1 (en) 2009-01-08
ATE415699T1 (en) 2008-12-15
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DE102004031973B4 (en) 2006-06-01
DE102004031973A1 (en) 2006-01-26

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