Devices and methods for producing multiple x-ray beams from multiple locations

Abstract

A multi-beam x-ray generating device comprising a fixed field emission cathode having a plurality of fixed, independently controllable electron emitting pixels placed on the cathode in a predetermined pattern, facing the cathode and containing a predetermined pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of pixels Anodes with multiple focal points, and a vacuum chamber surrounding the cathodes and anodes are placed. Another structure is in the form of an x-ray generating device comprising a fixed field emission cathode having a planar surface on at least a portion of the planar surface with electron emissive material disposed in a parallel spaced relationship relative to the planar surface of the cathode and a grid electrode having a plurality of openings of different sizes, an anode opposite to and spaced from the cathode and having a plurality of focal points aligned with the electron emissive material, and a vacuum chamber surrounding the anode and cathode, wherein the grid electrode is operable such that The opening is manipulated to align or misalign at least one electron beam emitted from the cathode with at least one focal point. Related methods are also described herein.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for generating multiple X-ray beams from multiple locations. For example, methods and apparatus are contemplated that employ field emission cathodes having a plurality of individually addressable electron emission pixels. Electrons emitted from the pixels can be directed to different focal points on the anode, creating multiple x-ray beams from multiple locations on the same device. Background technique [0002] Various structures and techniques are described below. However, nothing described herein is to be taken as an admissions of prior art. On the contrary, the applicant has the right to prove that what is described herein is not prior art under the applicable legal provisions when appropriate. [0003] A traditional X-ray tube consists of a cathode, an anode and a vacuum envelope. The cathode is the negative electrode used to project electrons onto the positive anode. The anode attracts a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] Although the techniques described above can serve this purpose, these single electron beam based x-ray inspections have several disadvantages related to limited resolution, limited viewing angle, cost and efficiency

These prior art devices and techniques have a common disadvantage in that they all rely on a single electron source to generate x-rays and acquire multiple images of the printed circuit board from different angles

Therefore, they are inherently slow and cannot simultaneously produce multiple images of the detected object from different angles

In addition, they all mechanically move the x-ray source or x-ray detector, which will result in inconsistent x-ray focus size and image quality

Also, these x-ray systems all rely on thermionic emitters, which are temperature sensitive, require long warm-up times, and are not easy to turn on / off, so they are not easy to program, a lot of wasted energy, and x-ray system lifetime

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