X-ray line source implementing conformal collimation and related methods

Abstract

An X-ray system for providing an X-ray dose, comprising an X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode and arranged to emit electrons towards the anode so as to form an elongated focal spot area on and along the anode and to actuate emission of an X-ray beam directed from the elongated focal spot area towards a treatment field. A collimator device is provided between the anode and the treatment field, wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam from the elongated focal spot area by filtering the X-ray beam to minimize a penumbra of the X-ray beam directed through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field. An associated method is also provided.

Description

background Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to X-ray imaging and therapy, and more specifically, to systems and methods for X-ray imaging and targeted X-ray therapy, which realize an X-ray source with conformal collimation. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray generating equipment (e.g., X-ray tubes) typically comprises a metal target at a high potential in the range of tens to hundreds of kV, an electron gun to provide a high-intensity electron beam, and a vacuum envelope evacuated to a microtor or lower pressure level. The electron beam from the electron gun is accelerated by an electrostatic field created by the high potential on the metal target and bombards the target, thereby producing characteristic radiation and bremsstrahlung radiation (e.g., an X-ray beam). The target can be made of different materials, geometries, and / or other features to allow for the generation of application-specific X-ray beams. Many existing X-ray tubes operate based on this fundamental principle.

[0003] The primary limitation in terms of the total power (and subsequently the X-ray flux) obtainable from a given X-ray tube assembly is the melting or thermal limit of the metallic target (anode). Efforts to address the thermal management of the X-ray tube target (anode) include, for example, […]. Figure 1A As shown, the anode and support structure are formed from an alloy with high thermal conductivity for rapid heat transfer (e.g., heat dissipation or cooling of the anode via thermal conduction). The anode can also be rotated, reciprocated, or otherwise cyclically moved to diffuse electron beam power over a larger area of ​​the target (e.g., see...). Figure 1B Another solution could involve, for example, forming a hollow channel in the anode through which a cooling liquid (e.g., water or oil) can circulate with an associated heat exchanger to cool the liquid. Figure 1C Such methods may be sufficient to manage the heat load on the target (anode) in high-power (kW) applications of X-ray tubes, but they significantly increase the cost and footprint of the X-ray generating equipment.

[0004] Many existing X-ray sources (e.g., X-ray tubes) were developed for imaging applications. For such imaging applications, the electron beam must be focused onto a relatively small area on the anode, often referred to as the focal spot (e.g., see [link]). Figure 2AIn this configuration, the electron beam is guided perpendicularly to the anode to generate a circular focal spot. While some of the energy imparted to the anode by the electron beam is converted into or generated as X-rays, approximately 99% of that energy is converted into heat. The temperature of the focal spot on the anode thus rises, for example, at a rate proportional to the electron beam power divided by the focal spot area (also referred to herein as "power density"). This relatively small area / size of the focal spot (typically 1–10 mm for imaging purposes) 2 The order of magnitude (i.e., the relatively small focal spot size used for imaging provides a higher number of pixels proportional to the desired resolution of the X-ray image) prevents an increase in electron beam power due to high power density and rapid temperature rise at the anode. Therefore, for X-ray applications that do not require a small focal spot, the power density (and the resulting temperature increase) can be reduced by establishing a relatively large focal spot area, for example, in the 100–1000 mm² range. 2 On the order of magnitude. The size of the focal spot can be increased using a line-focused X-ray source (LFX), for example, where the electron beam is arranged to interact obliquely with the anode, such that the focal spot extends in one dimension to produce and approximate a focal line (e.g., see...). Figure 2B However, to achieve the same power density (i.e., keep it constant), increasing the focal spot area by two orders of magnitude would require a proportional increase in the total electron beam power.

[0005] While the LFX concept may be a promising alternative X-ray source design for X-ray applications requiring relatively high X-ray output, such as phase-contrast imaging (PCI) and / or radiotherapy (RT), a major problem with PCI applications is the very low spatial coherence along the focal axial dimension. In the case of RT, radiotherapy places stringent requirements on the acceptable levels of X-ray dose / dosage that can be applied to other healthy tissues. These issues typically necessitate some X-ray source accompanied by an adjustable collimator to shape the emitted X-ray beam into a well-defined field of view (FOV) or therapeutic field (e.g., see...). Figure 3A However, when the focal spot size is as large as or larger than the collimator opening or aperture (i.e., when using LFX), the penumbra (in...) Figure 3A and 3B (Seen as a penumbra region, but referred to herein as the penumbra, penumbra region, or penumbra effect) extends the emitted X-ray beam beyond the field of view (FOV) or treatment field / area (e.g., see [reference needed]). Figure 3BThis results in a high risk of radiation-related side effects. In some cases, this problem can be addressed, for example, by creating a focal spot / anode far from the collimator opening / aperture. However, since X-ray flux / dose is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the FOV / treatment field, such a solution will reduce the X-ray flux or dose delivered to the FOV / treatment field. In other cases, the size of the collimator opening can be reduced. However, while such a solution reduces the penumbra or penumbra region, it also reduces the overall efficiency of X-ray therapy by blocking useful X-ray radiation from reaching the FOV / treatment field. Therefore, to avoid melting or thermal degradation of the X-ray source anode, there is a trade-off between the maximum X-ray flux achievable in an optimal collimated RT system and the minimum focal spot area of ​​the X-ray source.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an X-ray source capable of achieving relatively high X-ray flux (e.g., relatively high radiation dose rate) while avoiding melting or thermal degradation of its anode. It is also desirable for such an X-ray source to operate in an imaging mode, in which high-resolution images can be generated using a small focal spot on the anode, and in a therapeutic mode, in which the high radiation dose rate required for therapeutic cancer treatment can be achieved using a large focal spot / line on the anode. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure satisfies the above and other needs. In one aspect, a system for providing X-ray dose is provided, the X-ray system including an X-ray source including an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode and arranged to emit electrons toward the anode to form an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode, and to actuate the emission of an X-ray beam guided from the elongated focal region toward a treatment field; and a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field, the collimator device being configured to shape the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode by filtering the X-ray beam to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for providing X-ray dose, the method comprising: forming an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode by emitting electrons from an X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode toward the anode, the emitted electrons interacting with the anode to form the elongated focal region and actuating the emission of an X-ray beam from the elongated focal region toward a treatment field; and shaping the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode by filtering the X-ray beam using a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

[0009] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments: Example 1: A system for providing X-ray dose, the X-ray system comprising an X-ray source including an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode and arranged to emit electrons toward the anode to form an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode, and to actuate the emission of an X-ray beam guided from the elongated focal region toward a treatment field; and a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field, the collimator device being configured to shape the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode by filtering the X-ray beam to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

[0010] Example 2: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode defines a primary dimension and a secondary dimension, wherein the primary dimension is larger than the secondary dimension.

[0011] Example Embodiment 3: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode to form an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode.

[0012] Example 4: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward different serial continuous focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial continuous focal spots or serial adjacent focal spots being formed on the anode and extending along the anode in an elongated focal region.

[0013] Example 5: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward different focal spots on the anode, the focal spots cooperating to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0014] Example Embodiment 6: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more serially actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or serial adjacent focal spots being formed on the anode and extending along the anode in an elongated focal region.

[0015] Example 7: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward two or more sequentially consecutive focal spots or two or more sequentially adjacent focal spots on the anode, the two or more sequentially consecutive focal spots or two or more sequentially adjacent focal spots forming a group of focal spots, wherein the different groups of focal spots cooperate to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0016] Example 8: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein different groups of focal spots are serially consecutive, serially adjacent, or serially overlapping to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0017] Example 9: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing an X-ray beam emitted from an elongated focal region of the anode and directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

[0018] Example 10: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by preventing an X-ray beam emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and not directed toward the treatment field from passing through the collimator device.

[0019] Example 11: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the elongated focal region on and extending along the anode comprises a series of consecutive focal spots or a series of adjacent focal spots, and wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only one or more of the focal spots to be directed toward the treatment field through the collimator device.

[0020] Example 12: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the elongated focal region on and extending along the anode comprises a series of consecutive focal spots or a series of adjacent focal spots, wherein, in a time sequence of actuation events, one or more of the focal spots are actuated to emit an X-ray beam in each actuation event, and wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field in each actuation event to pass through the collimator device.

[0021] Example 13: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and the one or more apertures are configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam, which is directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event, to pass through the one or more apertures, and wherein the collimator device is positioned in a fixed location between the anode and the treatment field, or is movable relative to the anode.

[0022] Example 14: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is a planar member that is laterally movable relative to the elongated focal region.

[0023] Example 15: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is an arcuate member movable relative to the elongated focal region in a track around the treatment field.

[0024] Example 16: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is an annular member movable relative to an elongated focal region via rotation about the treatment field.

[0025] Example 17: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and wherein the one or more apertures of the collimator device are configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam, which is directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event, to pass through the one or more apertures.

[0026] Example 18: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof further includes an X-ray detector arranged opposite a collimator device such that a treatment field is positioned between the collimator device and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray detector is further arranged to receive an X-ray beam guided through the collimator device and interacting with the treatment field.

[0027] Example 19: A system according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof further includes a controller that communicates with an X-ray detector and is configured to form an X-ray image of a treatment field from an X-ray beam received by the X-ray detector.

[0028] Example 20: A method for providing X-ray dose, the method comprising: forming an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode by emitting electrons from an X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode toward the anode, the emitted electrons interacting with the anode to form the elongated focal region and actuating the emission of an X-ray beam from the elongated focal region toward a treatment field; and shaping the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode by filtering the X-ray beam using a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

[0029] Example 21: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein forming an elongated focal region includes forming an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode, such that the elongated focal region defines a primary dimension and a secondary dimension, wherein the primary dimension is greater than the secondary dimension.

[0030] Example 22: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward an anode, and wherein forming an elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0031] Example 23: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward an anode, and wherein forming an elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to guide electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or serial adjacent focal spots being formed on the anode and extending along the anode in an elongated focal region.

[0032] Example 24: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward an anode, and wherein forming an elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to direct electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different focal spots on the anode, the focal spots cooperating to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0033] Example 25: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more serially actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward an anode, and wherein forming an elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to direct electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or serial adjacent focal spots cooperating to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0034] Example 26: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward an anode, and wherein forming an elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to guide electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward two or more sequentially consecutive focal spots or two or more sequentially adjacent focal spots on the anode, the two or more sequentially consecutive focal spots or two or more sequentially adjacent focal spots forming a group of focal spots, wherein the different groups of focal spots cooperate to form an elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

[0035] Example 27: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof includes forming an elongated focal region from different groups of focal spots, wherein the different groups of focal spots are selected from the group consisting of: a series of consecutive groups of focal spots, a series of adjacent groups of focal spots, a series of overlapping groups of focal spots, and combinations thereof.

[0036] Example 28: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device configured to allow an X-ray beam emitted from an elongated focal region of the anode and directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

[0037] Example 29: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device configured to prevent X-ray beams emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and not directed toward the treatment field from passing through the collimator device.

[0038] Example 30: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the elongated focal region on and extending along the anode comprises a series of consecutive focal spots or a series of adjacent focal spots, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam comprises shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device configured to allow only one or more X-ray beams from the focal spots to be directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

[0039] Example 31: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the elongated focal region on and extending along the anode comprises a series of consecutive focal spots or a series of adjacent focal spots, wherein, in a time sequence of actuation events, one or more of the focal spots are actuated to emit an X-ray beam in each actuation event, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam comprises shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device configured to allow only X-ray beams directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device in each actuation event.

[0040] Example 32: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and the one or more apertures are configured to allow only X-ray beams directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event to pass through the one or more apertures, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes using a collimator device positioned in a fixed location between the anode and the treatment field or movable relative to the anode to shape the X-ray beam.

[0041] Example 33: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device with a planar member configured to be laterally movable relative to the elongated focal region.

[0042] Example 34: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam, the collimator device being configured as an arcuate member movable relative to an elongated focal region in an orbit around the treatment field.

[0043] Example 35: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein the collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam, the collimator device being configured to be movable relative to an elongated focal region via an annular member that rotates around the treatment field.

[0044] Example 36: A method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof, wherein a collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using a collimator device having one or more apertures of the collimator device configured to allow only X-ray beams directed toward the treatment field and emitted from one or more focal spots in each actuation event to pass through one or more apertures.

[0045] Example 37: The method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof further includes receiving an X-ray beam guided through a collimator device and interacting with a treatment field using an X-ray detector, the X-ray detector being arranged opposite the collimator device such that the treatment field is positioned between the collimator device and the X-ray detector.

[0046] Example 38: The method according to any of the foregoing example embodiments or combinations thereof further includes using a controller in communication with an X-ray detector to form an X-ray image of the treatment field from the X-ray beam received by the X-ray detector.

[0047] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent from reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings briefly described below. This disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, whether or not such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise described in the particular embodiments described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read in its entirety such that, unless the context of this disclosure explicitly indicates otherwise, any separable features or elements in any aspect and embodiment of this disclosure should be considered as contemplated (i.e., combinable).

[0048] Many X-ray applications, such as radiographic imaging and computed tomography, utilize and require X-ray sources with relatively small focal spots (e.g., on the order of millimeters). While the actuated focal spot emits photons in all directions, the X-rays exiting from the focal spot are typically manipulated (e.g., shaped) to illuminate only the desired field of view and minimize the dose in the area surrounding the treatment field. With the relatively small focal spot, a metallic structure can be formed that collimates the beam with relatively high efficiency and minimal / minimum penumbra. However, the relatively small focal spot area on the anode limits the total power of the electron beam that can be applied before the electron beam melts or otherwise thermally degrades the material of the target / anode. To operate the X-ray source at higher power, one possible solution is to implement a rotating or otherwise movable target / anode, thereby distributing the power (and therefore the thermal load on the anode) over a larger area of ​​the anode. Alternatively, the focal spot region can be extended linearly to reduce the total power density at the focal spot. Such relatively large or large focal spots, sometimes referred to as focal lines or line-focused X-ray sources (LFX), are capable of producing high throughput (dose rate / flux rate) at standard 100 SAD (source-to-axis distance) or other defined distances required for radiotherapy applications. One problem is that X-rays emitted from such anisotropic sources (LFX) are difficult to collimate without reducing the overall efficiency of the X-rays interacting with the FOV / treatment field, particularly with respect to the long dimension along the focal line. Therefore, aspects of this disclosure provide conformal collimation along the principal dimension of the focal line of the LFX while also increasing or maximizing the X-ray flux delivered to the target field of view (FOV) / treatment field. Thus, aspects of this disclosure provide a solution for collimating X-rays from an X-ray source with a relatively large focal spot size (e.g., on the order of centimeters).

[0049] It will be understood that the inventive summary herein is provided only for the purpose of outlining some exemplary aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that the exemplary aspects described above are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of this disclosure in any way. It will be understood that the scope of this disclosure covers many potential aspects, some of which will be further described below in addition to those outlined herein. Furthermore, other aspects and advantages of such aspects disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the described aspects by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The present disclosure has been described in summary as follows, with reference now to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1A An example prior art for thermal management of X-ray tube anodes is illustrated schematically, which uses passive heat transfer via thermal conduction associated with the material forming the anode; Figure 1B An example prior art for heat management of an X-ray tube anode is illustrated schematically, which uses the movement (e.g., rotation) of the anode to increase the area of ​​the anode heated by bombardment with an electron beam; Figure 1C An example prior art for heat management of X-ray tube anodes is schematically shown, which actively removes heat from the anode via a liquid circulating through cooling channels within the anode; Figure 2A and Figure 2B The diagram schematically illustrates a prior art X-ray source, in which a line-focused X-ray source (LFX) is shown. Figure 2B This can be implemented to increase the relative power density compared to conventional X-ray sources by maintaining a high electron power density over a relatively large area on the anode. Figure 2A Total radiation output; Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram schematically illustrates a prior art X-ray source, and the X-ray beam geometry and penumbra produced by different focal spot sizes, wherein a relatively small focal spot minimizes the penumbra. Figure 3A Furthermore, line-focusing sources with relatively large focal spot areas can generate higher X-ray output, but also result in a wide-beam penumbra region. Figure 3B ); Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn X-ray source according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, wherein the field emission cathode device includes a plurality of individually controllable field emission cathodes, wherein one of the field emission cathodes can be actuated to provide an electron beam to a focal spot on an anode. Figure 2A Then the field emission cathode is de-actuated and another field emission cathode is actuated to provide an electron beam to different focal spots on the anode. Figure 2B ); Figure 5 It schematically shows the following based on Figure 4A and Figure 4B The X-ray source of the present disclosure shown herein, wherein a single field emission cathode (or a group of field emission cathodes) can be sequentially actuated to deliver an electron beam to different focal spots (or different groups of focal spots) on the anode; Figure 6A An X-ray source according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the field emission cathode device includes a plurality of field emission cathodes that can be individually controlled or actuated, wherein many (or all) of the field emission cathodes can be actuated simultaneously to generate a large focal spot / line on the anode for delivering radiotherapy treatment. Figure 6B and Figure 6C schematically shown Figure 6A The X-ray source shown according to an aspect of this disclosure, wherein only some of the field emission cathodes (or some groups of field emission cathodes) are selectively actuated (wherein the remainder are de-actuated) in order to distribute the radiation dose / spray to the target. Figure 6B In this process, the electron current from each field emission cathode or each group of field emission cathodes is modulated to generate intensity modulated radiation (IMRT) from and along the large focal spot / line on the anode. Figures 7A to 7D An X-ray source configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX) according to one aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the SLFX operating principle is determined by... Figures 7A to 7D The sequence is shown, in which several focal line segments of length L are actuated / deacted in a specific order to avoid overheating of the anode material, while the dynamic collimator moves or changes configuration corresponding to the actuated focal line segments to provide maximum X-ray flux to the FOV or treatment field, while minimizing penumbra / penumbra effects. Figures 8A to 8C An X-ray source configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX) according to one aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the length of the elongated focal region can be selected in any increment of two or more serially consecutive or serially adjacent focal spots. Figures 9A to 9DAn X-ray source configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX) according to one aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the X-ray dose rate to the FOV / treatment field can be increased by simultaneously actuating multiple focal line segments (focal spots) while minimizing penumbra / penumbra effects due to the relatively small size of each focal spot.

[0051] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The illustration schematically depicts an X-ray source configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX) according to one aspect of this disclosure, wherein the SLFX assembly can be coupled with a translation collimator ( Figure 10A ) or rotating collimator ( Figure 10B In connection with this, each collimator is configured to dynamically adjust the slot / aperture / aperture size and / or position to maintain maximum X-ray flux (dose rate) focused onto the FOV / treatment field; Figure 11 A system comprising three X-ray sources according to one aspect of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, each X-ray source being configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX), wherein the three SLFX components, each having a dedicated collimator, can be arranged to surround the field of view (FOV) / treatment field and have multiple X-ray beams simultaneously actuated to deliver radiotherapy to the FOV / treatment field; Figure 12A and Figure 12B An X-ray source configured as a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX) according to one aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the SLFX assembly is coupled with a rotating annular collimator and a planar X-ray detector disposed within the annular collimator. Figure 12A ) or arc-shaped X-ray detector ( Figure 12B This is associated with [the field of view] to provide imaging capabilities for the field of view / treatment field; and Figure 13 A method for providing X-ray dose according to one aspect of this disclosure is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0052] This disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure. In fact, these disclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0053] One aspect of this disclosure includes a system for providing X-ray dose (e.g., also referred to herein as an X-ray system). In some aspects, such as... Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, such a system includes an X-ray source 100, which includes an anode 200 and a field emission cathode device 300, which is spaced apart from the anode 200 and arranged to emit electrons (e.g., an electron beam 305) toward the anode 200 to form an elongated focal region 400 on and along the anode 200.

[0054] On one hand, the field emission cathode device 300 includes multiple individually controllable field emission cathodes 310. Therefore, since X-ray imaging applications typically require small focal spot sizes on the anode 200 to provide higher imaging resolution, the X-ray source 100 can operate in an imaging mode where only one or several, a few, or otherwise a small number of field emission cathodes 310 of the field emission cathode device 300 can be actuated to achieve relatively small focal spots (e.g., sub-millimeter to several millimeters in diameter) of the electron beam(s) 305 on the anode 200 to generate an X-ray beam for imaging purposes (e.g., see [reference needed]). Figure 4A In some configurations of the X-ray source 100, different individual field emission cathodes 310 (or different few, several, or otherwise small numbers of field emission cathodes 310) can be actuated to achieve another relatively small focal spot (e.g., sub-millimeter to several millimeters in diameter) of the electron beam 305 on another portion of the anode 200, such as Figure 4B As shown. In imaging mode, the energy of the X-ray source (e.g., energy proportional to the voltage applied to the anode 200) can be adjusted to an appropriate range for imaging (e.g., approximately 30 kV–160 kV) to achieve suitable X-ray imaging results. In some aspects, such as… Figure 5 As shown, for example for three-dimensional (3D) imaging purposes, multiple views of a target can be obtained from various perspectives. That is, as... Figure 5 As shown, one or more field emission cathodes can be sequentially actuated to produce a series of X-ray images from different viewpoints (e.g., multiple electron beams from the field emission cathodes interact with different portions / focal spots of the anode, where each focal spot directs multiple X-ray beams toward the target object at a different angle). Those images can be appropriately processed and combined to reconstruct and achieve a 3D view of the target object within the field of view / treatment field.

[0055] In another aspect of this disclosure, the X-ray source 100 can operate in a treatment mode or a power mode to generate relatively large focal spots of electron beams 305 on the anode 200. That is, in some cases, a large number (or all) of multiple field emission cathodes 310 can be actuated simultaneously (or selectively or sequentially), wherein the corresponding emitted electron beams are directed toward adjacent or overlapping focal spots on the anode 200, such that the focal spot / focus regions of the anode 200 affected by the electron beams 305 combine to form a combined large focal spot or focal line (e.g., on the order of tens of centimeters) on the anode 200, for example, as... Figure 6A As shown in the diagram, the large focal spot / focal line allows the X-ray source 100 to operate at relatively high power to provide a proportionally high radiation dose rate / dose rate (e.g., exceeding 40 Gy / s at a standard 100 cm source-to-axis distance (100 SAD)) as output for the FOV / treatment field. For example, for better treatment outcomes, the energy of the X-ray source 100 is increased by increasing the voltage applied to the anode 200 to a relatively high level (e.g., approximately 160 kV–800 kV) to achieve a suitable radiation dose rate / dose rate distribution across the target object.

[0056] In some respects, the X-ray source 100 in treatment / power mode can selectively actuate only some of the field emission cathodes 310, while the rest of the field emission cathodes 310 remain deactotropic, for example as... Figure 6B As shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the current from each of the actuated field emission cathodes (the electron flow in the electron beam) (and thus the X-ray radiation emitted from the corresponding focal spot on the anode 200) can be programmed / modulated to have different intensity levels, for example, as... Figure 6C As shown in the diagram, this selective field emission cathode actuation and electron beam modulation operating mode of the X-ray source 100 results in different radiation intensities from corresponding focal spots forming a combined large focal spot or focal line, such as... Figure 6C As shown.

[0057] Aspects of such an X-ray source 100 may involve, for example, a field emission cathode device 300 switchable between an imaging mode and a power mode or a treatment mode, wherein the imaging mode has an emitted electron / electron beam 305 focused on a first focal region on an anode 200, wherein the first focal region has a first focal region size, and the power mode or treatment mode has an emitted electron / electron beam 305 focused on a second focal region on an anode 200, wherein the second focal region has a second focal region size larger than the first focal region size.

[0058] In one aspect, the field emission cathode device 300 includes a plurality of individually controllable field emission cathodes 310, which are configured and arranged such that an imaging mode includes a first amount of field emission cathodes 310, which are actuated to guide electrons (electron beam 305) emitted by the first amount of field emission cathodes 310 to a first focal region on the anode 200. In a further aspect, the field emission cathode device 300 is configured such that a power mode includes a second amount of field emission cathodes 310, which are actuated to guide electrons (electron beam 310) emitted by the second amount of field emission cathodes 310 to a second focal region on the anode 200. The second amount of field emission cathodes 310 is greater than the first amount of field emission cathodes 310. Furthermore, the second amount of field emission cathodes 310 are arranged to guide electrons (electron beams or currents) emitted by the second amount of field emission cathodes 310 to corresponding focal regions on the anode 200, wherein the corresponding focal regions are disposed adjacently on the anode 200 and are arranged to form a second focal region on the anode 200. In a further aspect, each of the second amount of field emission cathodes 310 is actuated to provide an electron current / electron beam directed towards the anode 200, and wherein the current from one or more selected field emission cathodes 310 of the second amount of field emission cathodes 310 is modulated to modulate the intensity of electrons emitted by the selected one or more field emission cathodes 310 to the second focal region. Therefore, the first amount of field emission cathodes 305 and the second amount of field emission cathodes 305 in the field emission cathode device 300 can be selected and arranged to provide appropriate focal spot sizes on the anode 200 for imaging and treatment / power modes, respectively, wherein the appropriate energy for each mode is determined based on the voltage applied to the anode 200.

[0059] Given that various aspects of this disclosure implement a field emission cathode device 300 comprising a plurality of individually controllable field emission cathodes 310 configured and arranged to be selectively actuated such that electrons emitted by the plurality of individually controllable field emission cathodes 310 (a plurality of electron beams 305) are directed to corresponding focal spots / focus regions on the anode 200, for clarity, the field emission cathode device 300 is not included in Figures 7A to 7D , Figures 8A to 8C , Figures 9A to 9D , Figures 10A to 10B , Figure 11 and Figures 12A to 12BTherefore, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the description of the figures mentioned herein explicitly presupposes that the individually controllable field emission cathode 310 is configured and arranged for selective actuation, such that electrons emitted therefrom (multiple electron beams 305) are directed to corresponding focal spots / focal regions on the anode 200 to actuate multiple focal spots on the anode 200, as further discussed herein. Thus, the actuation of multiple focal spots associated with the actuation of the elongated focal region 400 explicitly refers to multiple X-ray beams generated by the interaction of multiple electron beams 305 from the field emission cathode 310 with the corresponding multiple focal spots / focal regions of the anode 200, which actuate to form the corresponding multiple focal spots / focal regions of the elongated focal region 400.

[0060] Therefore, for example, such as Figures 7A to 7D As shown, various aspects of this disclosure demonstrate the interaction between the emitted electron / electron beam(s) 305 and the anode 200, which forms / defines an elongated focal region 400 on the anode 200 (see, for example, see...). Figure 7A The X-ray beam 600 is emitted from the elongated focal region 400. The resulting X-ray beam 600 is directed toward a treatment field 700 outside the X-ray source 100 (e.g., separate, discrete, and / or spaced apart from the X-ray source 100). A collimator device 800 (also referred to herein as collimator 800) is disposed between the anode 200 and the treatment field 700 (wherein collimator device 800 may be a component of a system separate from the X-ray source 100, or may otherwise be associated with and / or a component of the X-ray source 100). In some aspects, collimator device 800 is configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 emitted from the elongated focal region 400 of the anode 200 by filtering the X-ray beam 600 to reduce or minimize the penumbra 650 of the X-ray beam 600 guided through collimator device 800 to interact with the treatment field 700 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 7A As shown in the image).

[0061] In some aspects, due to the space constraints of such static collimators, realizing a line X-ray source or discrete X-ray source with high packing density (small pitch) of focal spots may make it difficult or impractical to also realize a static collimator capable of accommodating / shaping X-ray beams from all focal spots (e.g., given the physical constraints of forming a limited number of openings / apertures in a limited area). Therefore, some aspects of this disclosure herein can implement dynamic collimators to reduce or eliminate the limitations of static collimators; however, as further disclosed herein, static collimators or dynamic / static hybrid collimators may also be implemented as needed or desired. In a particular aspect, an elongated focal region 400 on and extending along the anode 200 defines a primary dimension 405 and a secondary dimension 410 (e.g., see...). Figure 8B The primary dimension 405 is larger than the secondary dimension 410. In some aspects, the elongated focal region 400 may define, for example, an elliptical focal region, a stadium-shaped or pill-shaped focal region, a linear focal region, or a near-linear focal region. Furthermore, the field emission cathode device 300 includes one or more individually controllable field emission cathodes 310 (also referred to herein as field emission cathode elements 310), which are selectively actuable and arranged to emit electrons 305 toward the anode 200 to form an elongated focal region 400 on and along the anode 200, such that the electrons 305 actuate one or more focal spots of the elongated focal region 400.

[0062] More specifically, in cases such as Figures 7A to 7DIn these aspects, an array of individually actuable focal spots 420 or focal spot segments 430 comprising two or more focal spots 420 are distributed along the length of an elongated focal region 400. The elongated focal region 400 (also referred to herein as a focal line) comprises N focal spots 420 or M segments 430 of two or more focal spots 420, each segment having a length L and arranged in a row. Each focal spot 420 or segment 430 can be actuated / de-actuated in a manner controlled by appropriate software-controlled timing circuitry (i.e., to form a segmented line focused X-ray source (SLFX)). By actuating / de-actuating the focal spots 420 or segments 430 in a specific order (i.e., not simultaneously or instead of simultaneously), the actuated portion / region of the elongated focal region 400 is displaced / moved along the surface of the anode 200. Effective thermal management is achieved by frequently altering the actuated region of the anode 200 (via actuated elongated focal region segmentation), preventing overheating at any specific point on the anode surface while avoiding anode movement during operation. In some cases, higher power (e.g., increased electron beam current directed towards the anode 200) can be achieved over the entire length of the elongated focal region 400. When coordinated / implemented with a matched dynamic collimator 800 (e.g., a collimator that moves or changes configuration corresponding to the actuated focal line segmentation to shape the X-ray beam to provide maximum X-ray flux to the FOV or treatment field while minimizing penumbra / penumbra effects), high X-ray flux or dose rate capabilities can be obtained at a standard 100 SAD (100 cm source axis distance) or other defined distances while maintaining the ability to collimate or shape (multiple) X-ray beams 600.

[0063] In some aspects, the field emission cathode device 300 includes one or more selectively actuable (in some aspects, serially actuable) field emission cathode elements 310, which are arranged such that each of them emits electrons 305 toward different serially consecutive focal spots 420 or different serially adjacent focal spots 420 on the anode 200 (e.g., the individual focal spots 420 may be arranged in series with their peripheries in contact with each other, or the individual focal spots 420 may be arranged in series with space between their adjacent peripheries), wherein the serially consecutive or serially adjacent focal spots 420 are formed on the anode 200 and extend along the anode 200 in an elongated focal region 400.

[0064] In other aspects, the field emission cathode device 300 includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements 310 arranged to emit electrons 305 toward two or more consecutive or adjacent focal spots 420 on the anode 200, wherein the two or more consecutive or adjacent focal spots 420 form groups or segments 430 of focal spots, and wherein the different groups 430 of focal spots cooperate to form an elongated focal region 400 on and extending along the anode 200. In some cases, the different groups 430 of focal spots are consecutive, adjacent, or overlapping in series to form the elongated focal region 400 on and extending along the anode 200.

[0065] In other words, in some cases, the length of the elongated focal region 400 can be selected in increments of L, where L includes one or more focal spots 420, for example in Figures 8A to 8C Each of these is shown in the diagram. In the case of L≥2, segments 430 of two or more focal spots 420 can be sequentially actuated (e.g., focal spots 1 and 2 are actuated, and then focal spots 3 and 4 are actuated after de-actuation of focal spots 1 and 2), or one or more focal spots can overlap via actuated segments 430 (e.g., focal spots 1 and 2 are actuated, and then focal spots 2 and 3 are actuated after de-actuation of focal spots 1 and 2). In cases where the FOV or treatment field 700 is relatively large, it may be preferable to form a larger focal spot size by creating a narrow focal region 400 in the focal spot 420, in order to achieve a higher X-ray flux / dose rate at a standard 100 SAD (source-axis distance) or other defined distance, even if some increase in penumbra may occur. Because the collimator 800 is dynamic and adjustable, the length of the elongated focal spot can be selected through appropriate programming, allowing for flexibility in the size of the FOV / treatment field to which radiotherapy is applied, while acceptably shaping the X-ray beam 600 to control or minimize the penumbra 650.

[0066] In some aspects, the field emission cathode device 300 includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements 310 arranged to emit electrons 305 toward different focal spots 420 on the anode 200, wherein the focal spots 420 cooperate to form an elongated focal region 400 on and extending along the anode 200. That is, since each focal spot 420 or focal spot segment 430 is individually actuable, more than one focal spot 420 or focal spot segment 430 of the elongated focal region 400 can be actuated at any time, for example as... Figures 9A to 9CAs shown. This arrangement can be used, for example, to benefit certain radiotherapy applications because the total X-ray dose rate at a standard 100 SAD (source axis distance) or other defined distance increases without changing the power density, thus achieving a shorter treatment time. In such an aspect, multiple different elongated focal regions 400 (e.g., multiple focal lines) can be achieved, provided that each elongated focal region 400 is equipped with a corresponding opening / aperture of a conformal dynamic collimator 800. In this case, the minimum pitch between the different elongated focal regions 400 depends, for example, on the size of the collimator hardware and the degree to which such hardware might interfere with the X-ray beams from adjacent focal lines.

[0067] In some aspects, the collimator device 800 is configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 by allowing an X-ray beam 600 emitted from the elongated focal region 400 of the anode 200 and guided toward the treatment field 700 to pass through it. In some cases, the collimator device 800 is configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 by preventing an X-ray beam 600 emitted from the elongated focal region 400 of the anode 200 and not guided toward the treatment field 700 from passing through it. Basically, the collimator 800 includes a body defining one or more openings / apertures, wherein the openings / apertures shape the X-ray beam 600 by allowing an X-ray beam 600 guided toward the treatment field 700 to pass through the collimator 800 (with minimal penumbra), while the body defining the openings / apertures prevents X-ray beams 600 not guided toward the treatment field 700 from passing through the collimator 800, thereby performing a filtering function for the X-ray beam 600.

[0068] In some respects, the collimator 800 is constructed, for example, from a metal plate made of a high Z X-ray absorbing material such as steel, lead, or tungsten. Because the collimator 800 is typically positioned near or very close to the X-ray source 100, high precision is required to maintain the accurate positioning of the collimator 800. For a conformal collimator 800 positioned in a fixed location relative to the X-ray source 100, sub-millimeter accuracy in collimator dimensions can be achieved. However, movement of the collimator 800 and / or reconfigurable slots / openings / apertures may be necessary to maintain the correspondence between the slots / openings / apertures and the displaced (multiple) actuated focal spots 420 on the anode 200 surface. The shape of the slots / openings / apertures depends, for example, on the length L of each segment of the elongated focal region 400, and the desired width or lateral dimension of the FOV / treatment field 700. Therefore, the collimator 800 can be a fixed or movable collimator (relative to the X-ray source 100) that defines one or more reconfigurable or reshapeable slots / openings / apertures that correspond to the length L of each segment of the elongated focal region 400 and the width or lateral dimension of the desired FOV / treatment field 700.

[0069] In some cases, an elongated focal region 400 extending on and along the anode 200 includes serially consecutive or serially adjacent focal spots 420, wherein a collimator device 800 is configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 by allowing only one or more of the focal spots 420 to be directed toward the treatment field 700 to pass through it, wherein one or more of the focal spots 420 are actuated in a time sequence of actuation events to emit the X-ray beam 600 in each actuation event, and wherein the collimator device 800 is configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 by allowing only the X-ray beam 600 to be directed toward the treatment field 700 to pass through it in each actuation event. In some aspects, the collimator device 800 defines one or more apertures 805, wherein each aperture 805 corresponds to one or more of the focal spots 420 actuated in each actuation event to emit the X-ray beam 600, wherein the one or more apertures 805 are configured to shape the X-ray beam 600 by allowing only the X-ray beam 600 directed toward the treatment field 700 and emitted from the one or more focal spots 420 to pass through them in each actuation event. The collimator device 800 may be positioned in a fixed location between the anode 200 and the treatment field 700, or it may be movable relative to the anode 200.

[0070] In one aspect, a plurality of reconfigurable or reshapeable slots / openings / apertures 805 for and corresponding to multiple segments of the elongated focal region 400 may be associated with the collimator 800, which may be laterally displaced or caused to translate (in any direction) in real time during the treatment procedure as needed (e.g., see...). Figure 10A In other words, in some cases, the collimator device 800 can be moved relative to the anode 200, and the collimator device 800 is a planar member that can be moved laterally relative to the elongated focal region 400.

[0071] On the other hand, the collimator device 800 is movable relative to the anode 200, and the collimator device 800 is an arcuate member movable relative to the elongated focal region 400 in a track around the treatment field 700, or the collimator device 800 is an annular member movable relative to the elongated focal region 400 via rotation around the treatment field 700. In this way, the reconfigurable or reshapeable slots / openings / apertures 805 of the collimator 800 orbit or rotate relative to the track axis / rotation axis of the collimator 800 about the FOV / treatment field 700 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10B ).

[0072] In various aspects, the movement of the collimator 800 can be cyclic, reciprocating, or continuously rotating. In some cases, the collimator 800 can be moved to discrete positions and maintained in each position for actuation of one or more segments of the elongated focal region 400. In this way, discrete imaging and / or treatment events can be performed. In any case, the actuation sequence of the focal spot segments 430 is coordinated with the position / configuration of the collimator slots / openings / apertures 805 to prevent fov / treatment field 700 obstruction during operation.

[0073] In one aspect, the movement of a movable collimator can be triggered / actuated in connection with the control of actuation of the (multiple) focal spots / (multiple) focal spot segments. Alternatively, the actuation of the (multiple) focal spots / (multiple) focal spot segments can be triggered / actuated by optically sensing the position of the collimator relative to the X-ray source. Furthermore, to make the (multiple) collimator slots / (multiple) openings / (multiple) apertures reconfigurable / reshapeable, for example, a series of adjacent metal plates or rods movable relative to each other (e.g., as a multi-leaf collimator (MLC)) can be implemented to dynamically shape the radiation flux applied to the FOV / treatment field as the elongated focal region changes through actuated segments.

[0074] In some respects, by implementing multiple systems (X-ray source 100 and conformal collimator 800) positioned at different locations around the FOV / treatment field 700, the delivery dose rate at a standard 100 SAD (source-axis distance) or other defined distances can be increased / maximized, for example, as... Figure 11 As shown, this allows the X-ray beam 600 to be guided to the FOV / treatment field 700 from different directions. In this way, the X-ray source 100 can be positioned in a fixed location, and multiple X-ray sources 100 can operate simultaneously, thereby reducing treatment time. Figure 11 As shown, in one example, three SLFX components can be positioned around the FOV / treatment field and spaced apart at an angle (e.g., 60 degrees). If each X-ray source 100 is configured to each implement a segment with two actuated focal spots, then six X-ray beams are directed to the FOV / treatment field 700 at any time during the treatment process. The dynamic conformal collimator 800 can be a separate and discrete component for each SLFX component, or a single annular collimator can be arranged to rotate around the FOV / treatment field 700 so that it can be shared by all three X-ray sources 100.

[0075] In some aspects, the X-ray detector 900 is arranged opposite the collimator device 800, such that the treatment field 700 is positioned between the collimator device 800 and the X-ray detector 900, wherein the X-ray detector 900 is further arranged to receive the X-ray beam 600 guided through the collimator device 800 and interacting with the treatment field 700. In some cases, a controller 950 communicates with the X-ray detector 900 and is configured to form an X-ray image of the treatment field 700 from the X-ray beam 600 received by the X-ray detector 900. That is, in some radiotherapy applications, precise X-ray beam localization may require some verification of the FOV / treatment field (i.e., the tumor) location. Therefore, if the focal segment length L is sufficiently small, the collimator can be adjusted (e.g., slot / aperture / aperture opening) to allow for the generation and shaping of a sufficiently wide X-ray beam required for 2D radiography. In this case, the focal spot / collimator can remain stationary for the imaging process because the power requirements are low enough to prevent melting / thermal degradation of the anode. The flat panel X-ray detector 900 can be placed within an annular collimator on the side of the FOV / treatment site 700 opposite to the X-ray source 100 (e.g., see...). Figure 12A By using multiple focal spot segments coordinated with a dynamic collimator, multiple views can be acquired, if needed, to form a projection dataset for tomographic synthetic reconstruction. On another front, the X-ray detector can be an arcuate element arranged to orbit / rotate around the FOV / treatment site 700 in conjunction with a ring collimator, thus providing an imaging system similar to that of a CT scanner (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12B This allows for the acquisition of the complete CT dataset if needed.

[0076] Another aspect of this disclosure includes methods for providing X-ray doses, such as... Figure 13 As shown. This method includes: forming an elongated focal region on and extending along the anode by emitting electrons from an X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode towards the anode, the emitted electrons interacting with the anode to form the elongated focal region and actuating an X-ray beam emitted from the elongated focal region towards a treatment field (box 950); and using a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field to shape the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode to filter the X-ray beam to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field (box 960).

[0077] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the disclosures set forth herein belong will conceive of numerous modifications and other embodiments of these disclosures. For example, although some aspects disclosed herein combine a dynamic / movable collimator with a static / fixed X-ray source, those skilled in the art will understand that, within the scope of this disclosure, similar or enhanced effects can also be accomplished and achieved by implementing one or more translational / rotational X-ray sources (i.e., dynamic X-ray sources) having static and / or dynamic collimators, by implementing a combination of translational / rotational collimators (i.e., dynamic collimators) and (multiple) X-ray sources, or by implementing any suitable combination of static / dynamic X-ray sources and static / dynamic / static-dynamic hybrid collimators. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An X-ray system for providing X-ray dose, the X-ray system comprising: An X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode and arranged to emit electrons toward the anode to form an elongated focal region on and along the anode, and to actuate the emission of an X-ray beam directed from the elongated focal region toward a treatment field; as well as A collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field, the collimator device being configured to shape the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode by filtering the X-ray beam to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

2. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated focal region on and extending along the anode defines a primary dimension and a secondary dimension, wherein the primary dimension is larger than the secondary dimension.

3. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuated field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode to form the elongated focal region on and along the anode.

4. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements, which are arranged to emit electrons toward different sequential or adjacent sequential focal spots on the anode, the sequential or adjacent sequential focal spots being formed on the anode and extending along the anode in the elongated focal region.

5. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuated field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward different focal spots on the anode, the focal spots cooperating to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

6. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more serially actuated field emission cathode elements, which are arranged to emit electrons toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots cooperating to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

7. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward two or more consecutive or adjacent focal spots on the anode, the two or more consecutive or adjacent focal spots forming a group of focal spots, wherein different groups of focal spots cooperate to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

8. The X-ray system according to claim 7, wherein, The different groups of focal spots are sequential, adjacent, or overlapping in series to form the elongated focal region on and along the anode.

9. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing an X-ray beam emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

10. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by preventing X-ray beams emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and not directed toward the treatment field from passing through the collimator device.

11. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated focal region on and extending along the anode includes the serial continuous focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots, and wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only one or more of the focal spots directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

12. The X-ray system according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated focal region extending on and along the anode includes the serial consecutive focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots, wherein, in a time sequence of actuation events, one or more of the focal spots are actuated to emit an X-ray beam in each actuation event, and wherein the collimator device is configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field in each actuation event to pass through the collimator device.

13. The X-ray system according to claim 12, wherein, The collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more of the focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and the one or more apertures are configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam, which is directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event, to pass through the one or more apertures, and wherein the collimator device is positioned in a fixed location between the anode and the treatment field, or is movable relative to the anode.

14. The X-ray system according to claim 13, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is a planar member that is laterally movable relative to the elongated focal region.

15. The X-ray system according to claim 13, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is an arcuate member that is movable relative to the elongated focal region in an orbit around the treatment field.

16. The X-ray system according to claim 13, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and the collimator device is an annular member that is movable relative to the elongated focal region via rotation around the treatment field.

17. The X-ray system according to claim 12, wherein, The collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more of the focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and wherein the one or more apertures of the collimator device are configured to shape the X-ray beam by allowing only the X-ray beam, which is directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event, to pass through the one or more apertures.

18. The X-ray system of claim 1, further comprising an X-ray detector arranged opposite the collimator device such that the treatment field is disposed between the collimator device and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray detector is further arranged to receive the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device and interacting with the treatment field.

19. The X-ray system of claim 18, further comprising a controller that communicates with the X-ray detector and is configured to form an X-ray image of the treatment field from the X-ray beam received by the X-ray detector.

20. A method for providing an X-ray dose, the method comprising: An elongated focal region extending along the anode is formed by emitting electrons from the field emission cathode device toward the anode using an X-ray source comprising an anode and a field emission cathode device spaced apart from the anode. The emitted electrons interact with the anode to form the elongated focal region and actuate the emission of an X-ray beam from the elongated focal region toward the treatment field. as well as Using a collimator device disposed between the anode and the treatment field, the X-ray beam from the elongated focal region of the anode is shaped by filtering the X-ray beam to minimize the penumbra of the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device to interact with the treatment field.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, Forming the elongated focal region includes forming the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode, such that the elongated focal region defines a primary dimension and a secondary dimension, wherein the primary dimension is larger than the secondary dimension.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuated field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode, and wherein forming the elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode, and wherein forming the elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to guide the electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots being formed on the anode and extending along the anode in the elongated focal region.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuated field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode, and wherein forming the elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to guide the electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different focal spots on the anode, the focal spots cooperating to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more serially actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode, and wherein forming the elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to direct electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward different serial consecutive focal spots or different serial adjacent focal spots on the anode, the serial consecutive focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots cooperating to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein, The field emission cathode device includes one or more selectively actuable field emission cathode elements arranged to emit electrons toward the anode, and wherein forming the elongated focal region includes selectively actuating one or more of the field emission cathode elements to guide the electrons emitted from one or more of the field emission cathode elements toward two or more consecutive or consecutive adjacent focal spots on the anode, the two or more consecutive or consecutive adjacent focal spots forming a group of focal spots, wherein the different groups of focal spots cooperate to form the elongated focal region on the anode and extending along the anode.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising forming the elongated focal region from different groups of focal spots, wherein the different groups of focal spots are selected from the group consisting of: a series of consecutive focal spots, a series of adjacent focal spots, a series of overlapping focal spots, and combinations thereof.

28. The method according to claim 20, wherein, Shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam, the collimator device being configured to allow an X-ray beam emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and directed toward the treatment field to pass through the collimator device.

29. The method according to claim 20, wherein, Shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam, the collimator device being configured to prevent X-ray beams emitted from the elongated focal region of the anode and not guided toward the treatment field from passing through the collimator device.

30. The method of claim 20, wherein, The elongated focal region extending on and along the anode includes the series of consecutive focal spots or the series of adjacent focal spots, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using the collimator device configured to allow only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field from one or more of the focal spots to pass through the collimator device.

31. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The elongated focal region extending on and along the anode includes the serial consecutive focal spots or the serial adjacent focal spots, wherein, in a time sequence of actuation events, one or more of the focal spots are actuated to emit an X-ray beam in each actuation event, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using the collimator device, the collimator device being configured to allow only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field in each actuation event to pass through the collimator device.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more of the focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and the one or more apertures are configured to allow only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event to pass through the one or more apertures, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device, which is positioned in a fixed location between the anode and the treatment field or is movable relative to the anode, to shape the X-ray beam.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device with a planar member configured to move laterally relative to the elongated focal region to shape the X-ray beam.

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam. The collimator device is configured as an arcuate member that is movable relative to the elongated focal region in an orbit around the treatment field.

35. The method according to claim 32, wherein, The collimator device is movable relative to the anode, and shaping the X-ray beam includes using the collimator device to shape the X-ray beam, the collimator device being configured to be movable relative to the elongated focal region via an annular member that rotates around the treatment field.

36. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The collimator device defines one or more apertures, each aperture corresponding to one or more of the focal spots actuated in each actuation event to emit an X-ray beam, and wherein shaping the X-ray beam includes shaping the X-ray beam using the collimator device, the collimator device having the one or more apertures of the collimator device, the one or more apertures being configured to allow only the X-ray beam directed toward the treatment field and emitted from the one or more focal spots in each actuation event to pass through the one or more apertures.

37. The method of claim 20, further comprising receiving the X-ray beam guided through the collimator device and interacting with the treatment field using an X-ray detector, the X-ray detector being arranged opposite the collimator device such that the treatment field is positioned between the collimator device and the X-ray detector.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising using a controller in communication with the X-ray detector to form an X-ray image of the treatment field from the X-ray beam received by the X-ray detector.

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