Dual-Energy X-Ray Source Impact Angle Control for Output Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging systems face an imbalance in X-ray intensity when using different tube voltages, leading to reduced image resolution and potential overheating of the anode, which complicates the generation of high-quality images with multiple energy spectra.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray source with controlled electron optics and a power supply that adjusts the impact angle of electron beams based on tube voltage, allowing for higher electrical power without overheating, by increasing the electron back-scattering rate and optimizing the conversion efficiency for different energy spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If longer integration periods are used for low tube voltage to compensate for X-ray intensity imbalance, then X-ray intensity balance is improved, but image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the impact angle parameter of electrons onto the anode based on the tube voltage being used. When high tube voltage (e.g., 140 kV) is applied, electrons are directed at a smaller impact angle, reducing X-ray intensity. When low tube voltage (e.g., 80 kV) is applied, electrons are directed at a larger impact angle, increasing X-ray intensity. This dynamic parameter adjustment compensates for the inherent intensity imbalance without requiring different integration periods, thereby maintaining both intensity balance and image resolution.
2Use of energy by moving object
If higher tube voltage is used to generate harder X-ray radiation, then energy spectrum is improved, but X-ray intensity becomes imbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the electron impact angle parameter in response to changes in tube voltage. When the tube voltage is increased to generate harder X-ray radiation with higher energy, the impact angle is simultaneously reduced to decrease the resulting X-ray intensity. This coupled parameter adjustment ensures that both the energy spectrum requirements and the intensity balance requirements are satisfied simultaneously.
3Power
If higher electrical power is applied to the anode to increase X-ray intensity, then X-ray output is improved, but anode overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the impact angle parameter to optimize the conversion efficiency of electrical power to X-ray radiation. By adjusting the impact angle, the system achieves more efficient energy conversion, which allows for achieving the desired X-ray output with lower electrical power input, thereby reducing the thermal load on the anode and preventing overheating.
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 solution reduces the X-ray intensity imbalance and allows for higher X-ray intensity at the detector, improving image quality and extending the anode's lifespan by efficiently managing electrical power and heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode emits electrons, which are accelerated towards the anode due to a tube voltage supplied by a power supply
Implementation Method 2
With a tube voltage of for example 80 kV, electrons are accelerated from the cathode to the anode reaching a kinetic energy of 80 keV when impinging onto the anode. This energy is converted fully or partially into X-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray source (100) for generating X-ray radiation of first and second energy spectra is proposed, wherein the X-ray intensity imbalance between the first and second energy spectra is reduced as compared to conventional X-ray sources. The reduction of the X-ray intensity imbalance is achieved by configuring a smaller electron impact angle (141) onto the anode (102) when the higher tube voltage is applied as compared to when the lower tube voltage is applied.