X-ray Anode Structured Surface Reduces Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray emitters with rotary piston designs experience high backscatter rates due to electrons striking the anode at a flat angle, leading to reduced image quality and increased thermal load, limiting the service life of the emitter.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray anode with a structured surface that alternates periodically in the micrometer range for electron impingement, reducing backscatter and increasing photon yield, allowing for lower power operation with equivalent intensity and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrons strike the anode at a flat angle in rotary piston emitters, then the device structure is simplified, but the backscatter rate increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a surface structure with varying depth extensions in specific regions of the anode. The surface structure has different depth extensions in different areas, specifically designed to interact with backscattered electrons in the region where electrons strike at flat angles. This local modification improves image quality by reducing extrafocal radiation without requiring a complete redesign of the entire device structure.
2Productivity
If a structured surface with varying depth extension is applied to the anode, then photon yield increases and thermal load decreases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the depth extension parameter of the surface structure across different regions of the anode. The depth extension varies within a specific range (1-100 micrometers) to optimize the interaction with electron beams. This controlled variation of a single geometric parameter achieves improved photon yield and thermal management while keeping the manufacturing approach relatively straightforward through standard surface treatment techniques.
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
The structured surface reduces extra focal radiation by up to 75% and increases photon flux by 20-35%, enhancing image quality and extending the service life of x-ray emitters by minimizing thermal load.
Implementation Method 1
the electrons impinge upon the x-ray anode in the region of the focal point and are in the process slowed down while emitting x-ray radiation, in particular braking radiation
Implementation Method 2
emitting x-ray radiation, in particular braking radiation
Implementation Method 3
This results in the backscatter rate being relatively high, so that in particular a laterally arranged exit window for x-ray radiation can be struck by almost unbraked electrons
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray anode for an x-ray emitter has a structured surface provided for impingement with electrons. According to an embodiment of the invention, the structured surface has a surface structure which alternates periodically at least in sections and which varies in the micrometer range with respect to its depth extension and periodicity.