Focal track module, rotating anode and associated methods
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026052128_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Jülich Research Centre GmbH
[0002] G70612 / PT 0.3492
[0003] combustion track module, rotating anode and associated methods
[0004] Description
[0005] The invention relates to a combustion path module and a rotating anode for generating X-rays, a method for manufacturing a combustion path module and a rotating anode, and a method for generating X-rays.
[0006] X-rays can be generated by producing bremsstrahlung using a rotating anode. In this process, an electron beam is directed in a vacuum onto a focal track of the rotating anode, which serves as an X-ray target. The electrons are decelerated and converted to X-rays to a small extent and to a much greater extent into thermal radiation.
[0007] A rotating anode is a component, typically disc-shaped, with a suitable surface for generating X-rays. To limit the heating of a single point on the surface and distribute the heat load, the rotating anode is spun. This prevents thermal failure due to overheating, such as melting or vaporization.
[0008] To achieve high beam powers, for example, more than 100 kW up to 1.5 MW, such as in ultra-high-dose applications like X-ray microbeams, high rotational speeds of at least 200 m / s, and especially more than 400 m / s, are desirable. Due to the limitations of the materials used, this is not yet possible.
[0009] The above-mentioned features and definitions can be combined arbitrarily with the aspects and embodiments of the invention specified below, unless otherwise indicated.
[0010] Current rotating anodes comprise tungsten-rhenium alloys in the combustion track and a support structure based on molybdenum or carbon, for example with graphite, which may be reinforced with carbon fibers. Molybdenum-based rotating anodes exhibit a high density of more than 10 g / cm³. 3 This limits the rotational speed. The mechanical stress at high speeds would exceed the strength, causing the rotating anode to fail. Carbon support structures have a very low strength of approximately 60 MPa, and significantly less than 100 MPa. Rotating anodes made of carbon fiber-reinforced carbon have weaknesses in interlaminar shear strength, which is less than 5 MPa. Ceramics such as SiC are not suitable as a material because the maximum strength is statistically distributed, and reliable operation could only be guaranteed with a very low strength.
[0011] Publication EP 2 188 827 A2 discloses a hybrid design for an anode plate structure for configuring a high-performance X-ray tube in the manner of a rotating anode, in which an anisotropic material is used as the frame material. EP 3 472 850 A2 relates to micro-beam therapy, which is an application area for rotating anodes according to the invention.
[0012] The object of the invention is to provide an advanced combustion path module, an advanced rotating anode, associated manufacturing processes, and a method for generating X-rays. In particular, higher beam powers are to be made possible.
[0013] To solve the problem, a combustion path module according to claim 1, a rotating anode, a method for manufacturing a combustion path module, a method for manufacturing a rotating anode, and a method for generating X-rays according to the dependent claims are used. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0014] To solve the problem, a combustion module for generating X-rays is used. The combustion module comprises a combustion path for generating X-rays, particularly by electron bombardment and / or by electron deceleration. In particular, the combustion module also comprises a base layer for supporting the combustion path. Specifically, the base layer comprises a metallic material and / or a material with a density of less than 7.85 g / cm³. 3 .
[0015] It has been shown that a base layer with a metallic material with a density of less than 7.85 g / cm³3 This design is particularly well-suited for ensuring a secure connection of the firing track to a rotating anode base, especially at high temperatures. The low density also reduces the rotating mass and thus the forces involved. Residual stresses are reduced. This allows for exceptionally high rotational speeds, which in turn enable high beam powers. As a result, beam powers can be achieved over longer periods than previously possible.
[0016] The base layer serves to support (hold) the combustion path, either directly or indirectly. "Directly" means that the combustion path and base layer are in direct contact with each other and, in particular, are directly bonded. The base layer contacts the combustion path at least at points, preferably over a surface. In this case, no further intermediate layers are present. "Indirectly" means that one or more intermediate layers are arranged between the combustion path and the base layer.
[0017] The base layer comprises, in particular, a metallic material. A metallic material is a material that exhibits metallic properties. The metallic material can be a metal and / or an alloy. In particular, an isotropic material is used. In particular, no composite material is used. This allows for a simple structure. In particular, no ceramic material is used.
[0018] The combustion track and base layer are connected in such a way that the combustion track module can be rotated at high speed, for example at least 200 Hz, and can withstand the centrifugal forces that occur.
[0019] In particular, the base layer is designed to be connected to a rotating anode base body with its side facing away from the combustion path. It has been shown that the base layer with the properties according to the invention allows for a particularly strong connection to the rotating anode base body.
[0020] A focal track is made of a material that can generate X-rays when bombarded with electrons. This typically occurs by slowing down electrons from an electron beam that bombards the focal track.
[0021] The thickness of the combustion track is preferably less than the thickness of the base layer, for example by at least a factor of 5. The combustion track has, for example, a thickness of at least 0.1 mm and / or at most 2 mm, in particular at most 1 mm. The base layer has, for example, a thickness of at least 5 mm and / or at most 30 mm.
[0022] The focal plane preferably comprises tungsten, for example, a tungsten-containing alloy, preferably a tungsten alloy. In the case of a tungsten alloy, the main component of the alloy is tungsten. Alternatively or additionally, the focal plane can comprise another element from group 6 of the periodic table, in particular with a high or higher atomic number than tungsten. Alternatively or additionally, the focal plane can comprise or be made of rhenium. For example, a tungsten-rhenium alloy is possible. In this way, the X-ray yield can be maximized.
[0023] A combustion path module is a module which, especially together with other typically similar or identical combustion path modules, can form the combustion path of a rotating anode. The combustion path is typically composed of several modules. The combustion path of a rotating anode is typically circumferential, so that X-rays can be generated at any angular position. However, there can be gaps between the individual combustion path modules, as described below.
[0024] In particular, the combustion path module is designed such that the combustion path and / or the base layer can withstand a temperature of at least 800 °C, preferably at least 900 °C, and particularly at least 1000 °C. The temperature is particularly lower than the recrystallization temperature of molybdenum, i.e., approximately 1100 °C or, in the case of an alloy with hafnium, 1150 °C.
[0025] In one embodiment, the density of the metallic material is less than 5.0 g / cm³. 3 It has been shown that particularly high rotational speeds can be achieved in this way.
[0026] In one embodiment, the metallic material exhibits a tensile strength of at least 600 MP at room temperature. In another embodiment, the metallic material exhibits a tensile strength of at least 100 MP at 1000 °C. It has been shown that particularly high rotational speeds can be achieved in this way.
[0027] In one embodiment, the metallic material comprises titanium. The metallic material can be titanium or a titanium alloy. In the case of a titanium alloy, the main component of the alloy is titanium. For example, chromium, aluminum, vanadium, molybdenum, zirconium, nickel, iron, palladium, and / or tin can be used as alloying elements.
[0028] Titanium and its alloys have proven particularly suitable for solving this problem. Titanium has a low density of approximately 4.5 g / cm³. 3 and high strength, even at elevated temperatures. For example, the base layer can consist of Grade 5 titanium and / or a titanium alloy with vanadium and aluminum.
[0029] In a simple embodiment, the combustion path is arranged directly on the base layer.
[0030] In one embodiment, an intermediate layer for dissipating and / or storing heat is arranged between the combustion track and the base layer.
[0031] The intermediate layer ensures that the high temperature introduced into the combustion path at specific points or along a line is dissipated and / or stored. This reduces the temperature of the combustion path, allowing for higher beam intensities.
[0032] In particular, the intermediate layer contacts the combustion track at least at points, preferably over a surface. Specifically, the intermediate layer and the combustion track are bonded together by a material-bonded connection.
[0033] In particular, the intermediate layer contacts the base layer at least at points, preferably over a surface. Specifically, the intermediate layer and the base layer are bonded together by a material-bonded connection.
[0034] The thickness of the combustion track is preferably less than the thickness of the intermediate layer, for example by at least a factor of 5. The intermediate layer has a thickness of, for example, at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm and / or at most 50 mm, at most 20 mm. This allows the temperature of the combustion track to be reduced particularly effectively.
[0035] In one embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises molybdenum. The intermediate layer can be made of molybdenum. It can also comprise or be made of a molybdenum-containing alloy, in particular a molybdenum alloy. In the case of a molybdenum alloy, molybdenum is the main component of the alloy. Molybdenum and its alloys are resistant to high temperatures and possess high strength and high thermal conductivity. This allows for efficient heat dissipation. Furthermore, molybdenum can be readily bonded to tungsten and titanium. TZM (titanium-zirconium-molybdenum) has proven particularly advantageous, exhibiting exceptionally high strength, a particularly high recrystallization temperature, and high dimensional stability even at high temperatures.
[0036] Alternatively or additionally, rhenium or a rhenium-containing alloy can also be used, which also has ideal properties for this application.
[0037] Another aspect of the invention is a rotating anode for generating X-rays, which comprises at least one combustion path module according to the invention. All features, embodiments, and advantages of the combustion path module described above also apply to the rotating anode, and vice versa.
[0038] The firing track of the rotating anode can be located on the end face and / or on the lateral surface of the rotating anode with respect to its axis of rotation. The end face is a surface whose surface normal is oriented in the axial direction, i.e., along the direction of the axis of rotation, and in particular parallel to the axis of rotation. The lateral surface is a surface whose surface normal is oriented in the radial direction. In particular, the firing track is continuous, except for any gaps between individual firing track modules.
[0039] The rotating anode has, in particular, a rotationally symmetrical basic shape. Attachments, additional parts, recesses, holes, etc., may be present on or within this basic shape, so that the actual shape may deviate from the rotationally symmetrical form. Other deviations from the rotationally symmetrical shape may also be present, such as thickenings, flattenings, etc. The rotating anode is, in particular, at least substantially rotationally symmetrical.
[0040] Rotationally symmetric means that a rotation by any angle maps the rotating anode onto itself.
[0041] In one embodiment, the base layer of the combustion track module is part of a rotating anode base body, i.e., a base body of the rotating anode. In other words, the combustion track or the intermediate layer and the combustion track are directly connected to the rotating anode base body, for example, by being applied to it. In this case, no further support structure is required. In another embodiment, the rotating anode has a support structure. The support structure can contain titanium. The base layer can be directly or indirectly connected to the support structure.
[0042] The support structure is a structure designed to support the combustion trajectory module. In particular, the support structure is designed to withstand the centrifugal forces exerted by the combustion trajectory module. The support structure can comprise or be made of titanium or a titanium-containing alloy, for example, a titanium alloy. Grade 5 titanium has proven to be particularly advantageous.
[0043] The rotating anode can have a rotating anode base body. A rotating anode base body is the basic body of the rotating anode to which further components of the rotating anode, such as one or more combustion track modules and / or a collar structure for connection to a rotating axis, can be attached. The rotating anode base body can be disc-shaped. In particular, the rotating anode base body has a rotationally symmetrical basic shape or is at least substantially rotationally symmetrical. Part of the rotating anode base body or the entire rotating anode base body can be designed as a support structure.
[0044] The rotating anode base body can have a radial extent of at least 50 mm and / or at most 700 mm. The rotating anode base body can comprise or be made of titanium or a titanium-containing alloy, for example, a titanium alloy. Grade 5 titanium has proven to be particularly advantageous.
[0045] A direct connection means a direct connection without any intermediate layers. The support structure contacts the base layer at least at points, preferably over a surface. In an indirect connection, one or more intermediate layers can be arranged between the support structure and the base layer.
[0046] The base layer designed according to the invention allows for a particularly simple connection with the support structure.
[0047] The connection is preferably a material-bonded connection. This allows for a particularly strong, flat bond to be created.
[0048] A force-fit and / or form-fit connection is not excluded, however. This would, for example, allow for easy replacement of the combustion track module. For instance, the combustion track module could have one or more first connecting elements, and the rotating anode, particularly the support structure, could have one or more second connecting elements, wherein the first and second connecting elements interact in such a way that a force-fit and / or form-fit connection can be established, at least in the radial direction. Replacement could then, for example, involve relative movement in the axial direction. A force-fit connection could be achieved, for example, by a plug-in mechanism.
[0049] In one embodiment, the support structure is composed of several parts arranged at different angles. The parts can, for example, have a pie-shaped base. When rotated around the axis of rotation, the parts successively move into a position facing the electron beam. The parts can be bonded together, for example by welding. Connection lines between adjacent parts are preferably radially oriented. There can be, for example, at least 4 and / or at most 20 parts.
[0050] Rod-shaped elements of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the support structure can be arranged between the components. These elements extend primarily in a radial direction. The element material can be, for example, copper, and the support structure components can completely enclose the element material. In this case, the element material can also be such that it partially or completely melts at elevated operating temperatures of the rotating anode.
[0051] In one embodiment, the rotating anode has several combustion track modules arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction, in particular combustion track modules according to the invention. "One behind the other in the circumferential direction" means that an electron beam strikes the respective combustion tracks of the individual modules successively when the rotating anode is rotated. In particular, recesses are arranged between the combustion track modules. The recesses can be inclined.
[0052] For example, there can be at least 4 and / or at most 72 combustion track modules. Each combustion track module thus covers an angle of at least 5° and / or at most 90°.
[0053] The recesses prevent the individual firing track modules from touching. This allows each firing track module to expand or contract independently of its neighboring modules when the temperature changes. This reduces stress formation. Ultimately, this enables higher temperatures and thus higher beam powers to be achieved. The recess can have a width of at least 0.3 mm, in particular at least 0.6 mm, and / or at most 3 mm, in particular at most 2 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the recess is approximately 1 mm. The recess extends over at least a portion of the thickness of the firing track module, in particular over the entire thickness of the firing track module. The depth of the recess can be at least 10 mm and / or at most 50 mm.
[0054] The oblique arrangement of the recesses serves to prevent electrons from striking the base layer and / or the support structure directly. This prevents excessive heating of the base layer or the support structure. The oblique arrangement relates in particular to a surface of the firing path and / or a direction of the electron beam. For example, the electron beam may strike the surface approximately perpendicularly. The recess can be arranged, for example, at an angle of at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, particularly at least 15° and / or at most 60°, preferably at most 45°, particularly at most 30° or at most 20° to the surface normal of the surface and / or to the direction of the electron beam.
[0055] The angled arrangement of the recesses can be created, for example, by modules whose side surfaces are oriented at an angle other than 90° to at least one main surface. The firing path is typically located on one of the main surfaces.
[0056] Another aspect of the invention is a method for producing a combustion path module, particularly according to the invention. The method comprises providing a base layer, which is in particular a metallic material with a density of less than 7.85 g / cm³. 3The process includes, in particular, the provision of an intermediate layer for dissipating and / or storing heat. The process may include, in particular, the bonding of the base layer and the intermediate layer. The process may include the production of a combustion track, especially on the intermediate layer. All features, designs, and advantages of the combustion track module and the rotating anode described above can also apply to the manufacturing process, and vice versa.
[0057] The provision of a specific layer can be achieved by providing a physical component that forms the specific layer within the manufactured combustion path module. Alternatively, the layer can also be provided by manufacturing it, for example, by depositing it from particles or a gas phase, perhaps onto another layer.
[0058] The combustion track is produced, in particular, on the side of the intermediate layer facing away from the base layer. The production of the combustion track can take place before or after the base layer is bonded to the intermediate layer. This is irrelevant for the production of the combustion track module.
[0059] In a first variant, a combustion path, for example made of tungsten, is first produced on the intermediate layer before the intermediate layer is bonded to the base layer, for example by diffusion welding, as described below. In other words, a module comprising the combustion path and the intermediate layer is first produced, which is then bonded to the base layer.
[0060] In a second variant, the intermediate layer is first bonded to the base layer before the combustion track, for example made of tungsten, is produced on the intermediate layer. Here, a module comprising the intermediate layer and the base layer is manufactured, which is then fitted with the combustion track.
[0061] Regardless of the described variants, it is fundamentally irrelevant when the base layer is bonded to the support structure of the rotating anode body. As explained below, it may be technically simpler and therefore advantageous to first produce a combustion track module and then bond it to the support structure. However, it is equally possible, for example, to first bond the base layer to the support structure and then apply a module consisting of a combustion track and an intermediate layer, or to apply the intermediate layer first and then the combustion track. It is also possible to first bond the support structure to a module consisting of a base layer and an intermediate layer and then apply the combustion track. The combustion track is produced, for example, by powder metallurgy sintering. In this process, a powder of the combustion track material is compressed under elevated pressure and temperature.Sintering is particularly advantageous in the first variant mentioned above, i.e., when a module consisting of a combustion track and an intermediate layer is produced first.
[0062] Alternatively, the combustion path can be created by coating, for example, using vacuum plasma spraying (VPS). Other possible coating methods for creating the combustion path are PVD and CVD coating (physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition, respectively). Coating processes are advantageous regardless of the method used.
[0063] In one embodiment, a material-bonded connection is achieved by welding. For example, a molybdenum-containing intermediate layer is welded to a rotating anode base body.
[0064] In one embodiment, the material-bonded connection of the base layer and the intermediate layer is achieved through diffusion welding.
[0065] In diffusion welding, the components to be joined are pressed together under increased pressure and temperature, creating a metallurgical bond. Diffusion welding requires no foreign materials and produces a particularly strong connection. It is especially suitable for creating strong bonds when the base layer contains titanium and the intermediate layer contains molybdenum. Diffusion welding can also be performed in a vacuum.
[0066] In particular, prior to diffusion welding, the surface of the base layer and / or the intermediate layer to be joined is leveled, for example, by a separation process such as grinding. In particular, a pressure of at least 10 MPa and / or at most 100 MPa is applied during diffusion welding. In particular, the temperature during diffusion welding is at least 800 °C, more specifically at least 850 °C and / or at most 1000 °C, preferably at most 950 °C, for example at most 900 °C. In particular, the diffusion welding is carried out for a duration of at least 1 h, more specifically at least 5 h, and preferably at least 10 h and / or at most 35 h, more specifically at most 24 h, and preferably at most 16 h.
[0067] In one embodiment, a bonding layer is used between the base layer and the intermediate layer during diffusion welding. This bonding layer serves to improve the joint during diffusion welding. For example, a foil made of a bonding material is placed between the parts to be joined. A foil made of pure titanium or titanium grade 2 can be used, for instance. Fewer alloying elements, and thus a lower number of foreign atoms, allow for better diffusion and a more homogeneous joining zone, and / or accelerate the joining process. Such a foil can, for example, have a thickness of at least 10 pm, preferably at least 50 pm, and / or at most 500 pm, preferably at most 200 pm. In one example, such a foil has a thickness of approximately 100 pm. As an alternative to titanium, a bonding layer or foil can also consist of chromium, nickel, or silicon.
[0068] In one embodiment, both the base layer and the intermediate layer have a maximum extent of at most 20 cm, in particular at most 15 cm, at most 12 cm, or at most 10 cm. The maximum extent refers to the longest length of the welding path module, regardless of its orientation in space. This makes it particularly easy to bond the intermediate layer and the base layer within a chamber of a commercially available diffusion welding device. This also applies to the welding path itself, so that a module consisting of the welding path and intermediate layer can also be bonded to the base layer within the chamber.
[0069] Another aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a rotating anode. The method particularly includes providing a combustion track module, especially according to the invention. The method particularly includes providing a rotating anode base body, typically with a support structure. In particular, the method includes connecting the combustion track module to the support structure. Specifically, the base layer of the combustion track module is connected to the support structure.
[0070] All features, designs, and advantages of the combustion track module, rotating anode, and manufacturing process described above also apply to this manufacturing process, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the combustion track module is joined to the support structure by welding, in particular by electron beam welding.
[0071] Another aspect of the invention is a method for generating X-rays. The method comprises providing a combustion path module and / or a rotating anode according to the invention, as well as bombarding the combustion path with electrons, in particular with an electron beam.
[0072] All the features, designs and advantages of the aspects described above can also apply to this aspect and vice versa.
[0073] In one embodiment, the electron beam power is at least 120 kW, particularly at least 200 kW. In particular, the electron beam power is at least 130 kW, typically at least 150 kW, preferably at least 180 kW, and particularly preferably at least 250 kW. In one exemplary embodiment, the electron beam power is at least 500 kW, particularly at least 800 kW, typically at least 1000 kW, particularly preferably at least 1250 kW, and in one example at least 1500 kW.
[0074] The duration for which X-rays can be generated depends on the electron beam power. Specifically, at 150 kW, X-rays are generated for at least 15 seconds or at least 20 seconds. At 1500 kW, X-rays are generated for at least 0.75 seconds or at least 1 second. This relationship is linear. Therefore, by linear interpolation, the possible duration of X-ray generation can be determined for a given electron beam power. The aforementioned durations at the respective electron beam powers are not achievable with the rotating anodes known from the prior art.
[0075] In a first embodiment, a rotating anode was manufactured having a diameter of approximately 300 mm measured perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This rotating anode could be rotated about its axis at a frequency of 400 Hz.
[0076] In a second embodiment, a rotating anode was manufactured having a diameter of approximately 600 mm measured perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This rotating anode could be rotated about its axis of rotation at a frequency of 200 Hz. Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below, also with reference to figures. Features of the embodiments can be combined individually or in multiples with the claimed items, unless otherwise specified. The claimed protective areas are not limited to the embodiments.
[0077] They show:
[0078] Figure 1: a sectional drawing of a rotating anode,
[0079] Figure 2: a sectional drawing of a combustion track module, Figure 3: a perspective view of a combustion track module, Figure 4: a schematic representation of a section of a rotating anode,
[0080] Figure 5: another perspective view of a combustion trajectory module, as well as
[0081] Figure 6: a microscopic image of a compound.
[0082] Figure 1 shows a sectional drawing of a rotating anode 1 with a rotating anode base body 2 and a firing track module 10 arranged on the lateral surface of the rotating anode 1 or the rotating anode base body 2. The rotating anode is rotatable about the axis of rotation 20. An electron beam can be directed radially from the outside onto the firing track module 10, more precisely onto the outer firing track of the firing track module 10, which is not shown separately. X-rays and a significant amount of waste heat are then generated at the firing track. An intermediate layer 16 and a base layer 14 are arranged radially inside the firing track. The base layer 14 is connected to the rotating anode base body 2 and the intermediate layer 16.
[0083] In Figure 1, the combustion track module 10 is arranged on a lateral surface or cylindrical outer surface of the rotating anode 1. The combustion track points axially outwards. Alternatively, the combustion track module 10 can also be arranged on an outer end face of the rotating anode 1, in which case the combustion track points radially upwards or downwards. The surface normal of the combustion track is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation 20. The combustion track is then typically annular, with the outer diameter approximately corresponding to the diameter of the rotating anode base body or the support structure. The structure of the combustion track modules 10 is shown in detail in the enlarged section in Figure 2, which also shows the support structure 4. The base layer 14 is arranged on the support structure 4. The support structure 4 can, in principle, be part of the rotating anode base body 2, for example, formed integrally with it.In this case, the rotating anode base body 2 can be made of a material suitable for bonding to the base layer 14. Alternatively, the rotating anode base body 2 and the support structure 4 can be made of different materials. These materials can be bonded together by material bonding, form bonding, and / or force bonding. Only the material of the support structure 4 then needs to be suitable for bonding to the base layer 14.
[0084] The base layer 14 is connected to the intermediate layer 16, which in turn is connected to the combustion track 12. It can be seen that the combustion track 12 is thin compared to the intermediate layer 16 and the base layer 14. Although the size relationships in this schematic representation are not necessarily to scale, typically the combustion track 12 is thinner than the intermediate layer 16 and the base layer 14.
[0085] It is also evident that a recess 30 exists between a combustion path module 10 shown on the right and a combustion path module 10 shown on the left. The recess is angled. This prevents, for example, an electron beam striking vertically from above from reaching the support structure 4 and, in particular, the base layer 14. This is ensured by the appropriate choice of the recess angle. The recess is bounded, in particular, by the parallel side walls of adjacent combustion path modules 10 facing each other.
[0086] Figure 3 shows a perspective drawing of a combustion track module 10. The generally curved shape, also recognizable in Figure 2, is depicted. The sequence of layers 14, 16, 12 is as described above.
[0087] Figure 4 shows the geometry of a rotating anode 1. Due to the symmetry of the sectional drawing with respect to the axis of rotation 20 and a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20, only one quarter of the rotating anode 1 is shown. On the left side, the axis of rotation 20 runs vertically, and on the right side, the combustion track module 10 is shown. The rotating anode 1, or the rotating anode base body, can be designed with respect to its geometry such that it corresponds to a disk of uniform strength. In the region of the axis of rotation 20, a central through-opening (not shown) can be present, in which a physical axis can be accommodated. Optionally, a collar structure 22 is provided to offer a surface, oriented, for example, perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20, for holding the disk. This can serve as a centering seat.The rotating anode base body 2 forms the support structure 4, which also includes a ring 24 on its outwardly sloping surface to form a cylindrical, radially outwardly projecting surface to which the combustion track module 10 can be attached. The transition parameters for the ring 24 and the collar structure 22 can be determined by geometric and static optimization, respectively.
[0088] Figure 5 shows a similar representation to Figure 2, but in a modified configuration. Unlike in Figure 2, the surface of the support structure 4, to which the base layer 14 is connected, is flat and not curved. This allows the connection between the support structure 4 and the base layer to be made in one plane. In particular, the connection is made by diffusion welding. A flat connection has proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of ensuring uniform pressure across the entire surface. In cross-section, the base layer 14 is polygonal.
[0089] Conversely, it is necessary to provide a support structure 4 with a multitude of flat surface areas that are aligned at suitable angles to each other. For example, the support structure 4, or the rotating anode base body, can have an outer contour in cross-section that has the shape of a regular polygon.
[0090] The round outer contour is typically created here by the intermediate layer 16. The combustion track 12, on the other hand, is, as in the embodiment according to Figure 2, typically a layer with a constant thickness.
[0091] It turns out that the angle between the left side wall and the underside of the base layer 14 differs from the angle between the right side wall and the underside of the base layer 14. In this way, the angled recess according to Figure 2 can be produced particularly easily.
[0092] Figure 6 shows a scanning electron microscope image of a diffusion zone 19, rotated 180° relative to Figures 2 and 5. This zone is formed between the bonding layer 18, a 100 pm thick titanium grade 2 foil, and an intermediate layer 16 made of TZM. The base layer 14, made of titanium grade 5, is shown above the bonding layer. Lighter, elongated beta phases are visible on the upper surface of the diffusion zone 19.
[0093] Reference symbol list
[0094] Rotating anode 1
[0095] Rotating anode base body 2
[0096] Support structure 4
[0097] combustion track module 10
[0098] Burning lane 12
[0099] Base layer 14
[0100] Intermediate shift 16
[0101] Compound layer 18
[0102] Diffusion zone 19
[0103] axis of rotation 20
[0104] Collar structure 22
[0105] Wreath 24
[0106] Recess 30
Claims
Jülich Research Centre GmbH G70612 / PT 0.3492 Claims 1. Firing track module (10) for generating X-rays, comprising a firing track (12) for generating X-rays upon bombardment with electrons and a base layer (14) for supporting the firing track (12), characterized in that the base layer (14) is a metallic material with a density of less than 7.85 g / cm³ 3 includes.
2. Combustion path module according to the preceding claim, wherein the density of the metallic material is less than 5.0 g / cm³ 3 amounts.
3. Flame path module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallic material has a tensile strength of at least 600 MP at room temperature and / or a tensile strength of at least 100 MP at 1000 °C.
4. Combustion path module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metallic material comprises titanium.
5. Combustion track module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein an intermediate layer (16) for dissipating and / or storing heat is arranged between the combustion track (12) and the base layer (14).
6. Combustion track module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer (16) comprises molybdenum.
7. Rotating anode (1 ) for generating X-rays, comprising at least one combustion path module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.
8. Rotating anode (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotating anode (1) has a titanium-containing support structure (4), wherein the base layer (14) is directly or indirectly connected to the support structure (4).
9. Rotating anode (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the rotating anode (1) has several combustion track modules (10) arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction, wherein inclined recesses are arranged between the combustion track modules (10).
10. Method for manufacturing a combustion track module (10), comprising: Providing a base layer (14) consisting of a metallic material with a density of less than 7.85 g / cm³ 3 includes - Providing an intermediate layer (16) for dissipating and / or storing heat, - Material-bonded joining of the base layer (14) and the intermediate layer (16), - Forming a combustion track (12) on the intermediate layer (16) before or after joining the base layer (14) and the intermediate layer (16).
11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the material-bonded joining of the base layer (14) and the intermediate layer (16) is carried out by diffusion welding.
12. Method for producing a rotating anode (1), comprising: Providing a combustion track module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Providing a rotating anode base body (2) with a support structure (4), - Connecting the combustion trajectory module (10) to the support structure (4).
13. Method according to the previous claim, wherein the joining of the combustion track module (10) to the support structure (4) is carried out by welding, in particular by electron beam welding.
14. Methods for generating X-rays, comprising - Providing a combustion track module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a rotating anode (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, Bombardment of the firing path (12) with electrons.
15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein an electron beam power is at least 120 kW, in particular at least