Multi-Cathode X-Ray Apparatus for Spectral Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray tube technologies are inflexible in shaping X-ray spectra, limiting the ability to optimize beam quality for specific patient, contrast agent, and detector systems, as they primarily rely on discrete voltage adjustments that either harden or soften the X-ray beam without efficient control over high and low energy photon ratios.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple cathodes and a power supply capable of producing and controlling multiple voltages, allowing for the generation of X-rays with adjustable energy ratios, enabling flexible spectral shaping by varying the voltage and current combinations, and using duty cycles to optimize the X-ray spectrum for improved image quality and spectral performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If filtering the X-ray beam is used to shape the spectrum, then the average effective photon energy is increased, but the beam is hardened and low energy photons are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the X-ray spectrum generation by using multiple cathodes (e.g., first cathode for high energy, second cathode for low energy) that can be independently controlled. This allows separate generation and optimization of different energy ranges without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between increasing average energy and maintaining low energy photon quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the voltage parameter for each cathode independently (e.g., first cathode at higher voltage, second cathode at lower voltage) to directly control the energy distribution. By adjusting voltage parameters rather than using physical filtering, the system can increase average energy while preserving or enhancing low energy photon production through coordinated multi-cathode operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a lower tube voltage is used to lower the average photon energy, then low energy photons are increased, but the production of higher energy photons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the photon generation task across multiple cathodes with different voltage settings. One cathode operates at lower voltage to produce abundant low energy photons, while another cathode operates at higher voltage to produce high energy photons. The combined output achieves a balanced spectrum with both energy ranges adequately represented.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the X-ray beams from multiple cathodes operating at different voltages into a single combined beam. This combination allows the system to simultaneously deliver low energy photons from one cathode and high energy photons from another, achieving a spectrum that would be impossible with a single voltage setting.
3Use of energy by moving object
If discrete voltage adjustments are used to shape the spectrum, then the beam quality can be modified, but the system remains inflexible and cannot be optimized for specific patient, contrast agent, and detector systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic control of multiple cathodes with independent voltage and current adjustment capabilities. This allows real-time adaptation of the X-ray spectrum to match specific imaging requirements, patient anatomy, contrast agent properties, and detector characteristics, transforming a static system into a dynamically optimizable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-cathode apparatus serves multiple functions: it can generate high energy photons, low energy photons, or any combination thereof by activating different cathodes or adjusting their relative contributions. This universal capability allows a single system to be optimized for various imaging scenarios including different patient sizes, contrast agents, and detector types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances image quality by optimizing contrast resolution and spectral performance in CT systems, maintaining consistent X-ray output and allowing for tailored spectral shaping to suit specific imaging needs, while maintaining high energy photons and increasing low energy photons as required.
Implementation Method 1
electrons emitted from the at least one cathode interact with the anode with energies corresponding to the at least two voltages, and wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (40) at least two voltages between at least one cathode (20) and an anode (30), wherein the at least two voltages comprises a first voltage and a second voltage. The at least one cathode is positioned relative to the anode. Electrons are emitted (220) from the at least one cathode. Electrons emitted from the at least one cathode are interacted (230) with the anode with energies corresponding to the at least two voltages. X-rays are generated (230) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. First X-rays are generated when the power supply produces the first voltage and second X-rays are generated when the power supply produces the second voltage. The power supply is controlled (250), such that a ratio between the first X-rays and the second X-rays is controllable.