CN117529793A

CN117529793A - Transmission x-ray system supporting electronic manipulation and method of use

Info

Publication number: CN117529793A
Application number: CN202280007715.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·切尔尼亚夫斯基
Original assignee: J Qieerniyafusiji; Rad Source Technologies Inc
Current assignee: J Qieerniyafusiji; Rad Source Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2021-05-05
Filing date: 2022-05-05
Publication date: 2024-02-06
Also published as: EP4143870A1; WO2022235985A1

Abstract

A transmission radiation system supporting electronic control and a matched use method are disclosed. The system may include an x-ray tube for accelerating the affected electrons at a high voltage potential for the purpose of irradiating the sample. The x-ray tube may include an evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure, a transmissive transport target anode deposited on the enclosure, a filament within the enclosure, and a cathode structure that facilitates manipulation of emitted electrons using a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a lens, radio frequency signals, and/or magnetic fields. The cathode structure may emit electrons toward the target anode and may facilitate electrostatic and/or magnetic effects on the emitted electrons to create a plurality of x-ray field shapes and/or patterns. Furthermore, the electron trajectories of the electrons can be adjusted with the cathode structure to optimize the irradiation of the sample within the x-ray tube according to the relevant use case scenario.

Description

Transmission x-ray system supporting electronic manipulation and method of use

Technical Field

The present application relates to irradiation technology, radiation technology, x-ray tube technology, electron manipulation technology, and more particularly, to a transmission x-ray system supporting electron manipulation and methods of use therewith.

Background

Currently, uniformity and dose rate of radiation are critical in efficiently irradiating various types of samples. Uniformity may include a ratio of a highest dose of radiation to a lowest dose of radiation emitted from a radiation device (e.g., an x-ray tube). In addition, the location of the sample in the radiation field is critical to the rate and uniformity of the radiation dose that a particular sample receives from the x-ray tube. The prior art irradiation techniques generally involve the use of a cathode structure to facilitate the emission and acceleration of electrons at high voltage potentials towards an anode target. When the accelerated electrons collide with the anode target of the x-ray tube, x-rays are generated that can leave the x-ray tube in multiple directions to irradiate a sample positioned within the generated x-rays. Notably, irradiation can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, irradiation may be used to sterilize samples such as, but not limited to, blood, organic materials, medical devices and instruments, pathogens, insects, and other types of samples. As additional examples, irradiation may be used to facilitate diagnostic imaging, various types of medical therapies, and blood transfusion. As other examples, irradiation may be used to modify and/or treat polymer-based products to enhance their properties.

Despite the various advantages of the prior art irradiation techniques, the prior art still has various drawbacks and has room for improvement. Notably, existing illumination techniques do not effectively allow targeted control of electrons and/or electron beams generated by the x-ray tube. In addition, the prior art irradiation techniques do not effectively allow manipulation of electrons and/or electron beams to produce different types of fields and different types of x-ray field shapes. Thus, while current techniques provide a number of benefits and efficiencies, these techniques may be substantially improved and enhanced. In particular, the current technology may be improved in order to improve uniformity of radiation exposure, improve radiation dose rate, and enhance electron and x-ray control. Such enhancements and improvements to the methods and techniques may increase efficiency, increase irradiation capacity, increase customization capacity, increase effectiveness, reduce cost, and increase ease of use.

Disclosure of Invention

A transmission x-ray system utilizing electronic steering capabilities and methods of use therewith are disclosed. In particular, a transmission x-ray system may comprise an x-ray tube for accelerating the affected electrons at a high voltage potential for the purpose of irradiating the sample. The x-ray tube of the system may include an evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure, a transmissive transport target anode deposited on the enclosure, a filament within the enclosure, and a cathode structure that facilitates manipulation of the emitted electrons, for example, by utilizing a waveform generator, electrostatic poles, lenses, radio frequency signals, and/or magnetic fields. The cathode structure may emit electrons toward the transmissive transport target anode and may facilitate electrostatic and/or magnetic effects on the emitted electrons to create a plurality of x-ray field shapes and/or patterns. Furthermore, the electron trajectories of the electrons can be adjusted using the cathode structure of the x-ray tube to optimize the irradiation of the sample within the x-ray tube according to the relevant use case scenario. Furthermore, the cathode structure and/or other components of the x-ray tube may be utilized to adjust the focal spot size of the electron beam associated with the electrons. The sample may also be irradiated in a targeted manner with x-rays generated based on electrons in the electron beam contacting the transmissive target anode.

In one embodiment, a transmission x-ray system with electronic steering capability is provided. The system may include an x-ray tube including a plurality of components to facilitate operation of the system, and the x-ray tube may be configured to accelerate affected electrons at a high voltage potential. The x-ray tube may have any desired shape and/or components. In particular, the x-ray tube may include an evacuated and vacuum-sealed enclosure, which in certain embodiments may have a portion that forms a hemispherical shape. In addition, the x-ray tube may include a transmissive transport target anode deposited on an evacuated and vacuum-tight enclosure. For example, a transmissive transmission target anode may be deposited on an inner surface of an x-ray tube housing. The x-ray tube may also include a filament disposed within the evacuated and vacuum-tight enclosure. Further, the x-ray tube may include a cathode structure disposed within the evacuated and vacuum-sealed enclosure. In some embodiments, the x-ray tube may emit electrons in the electron beam via filaments of the cathode structure when the x-ray tube is activated. Notably, the electron and/or electron beam can be manipulated to produce a desired x-ray field shape and/or pattern using a cathode structure that combines the functions of a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a lens, a magnet, or a combination thereof. A sample within the range of the x-ray tube may be irradiated with x-rays generated based on electron contact with the transmissive transmission target anode. The x-rays may conform to a desired pattern, shape, or combination thereof.

In another embodiment, a method for transmitting an x-ray system using transmission is provided. The method may include positioning the sample within range of an x-ray tube for irradiating the sample. Additionally, the method may include activating the x-ray tube. The method may also include facilitating emission of electrons in the electron beam via a cathode structure of the x-ray tube toward a transmissive transport anode structure deposited on a housing of the x-ray tube. Notably, the method can include facilitating manipulation of electrons in the electron beam by utilizing a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof. For example, manipulation may involve generating an x-ray field shape, pattern, or combination thereof associated with electrons in an electron beam based on the manipulation. Furthermore, the method may include irradiating the sample with x-rays generated by contacting a transmissive transport anode structure of the x-ray tube with electrons in the electron beam, wherein the x-rays conform to an x-ray field shape, pattern, or combination thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, another transmissive x-ray tube is provided. An x-ray tube may include a housing and a transmissive transmission target anode deposited on the housing. Further, the x-ray tube may include a cathode structure disposed within the evacuated and vacuum-sealed enclosure. In certain embodiments, the cathode structure may be configured to emit electrons in an electron beam toward the transmissive transport target anode. The cathode structure may manipulate electrons in the electron beam by using a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof to generate a plurality of x-ray field shapes, patterns, or a combination thereof. x-rays may be generated based on electrons contacting a transmissive transport target anode and may be used to irradiate a sample positioned within the x-ray tube.

These and other features of the systems and methods for providing a transmission x-ray system supporting electronic steering are described in the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a transmissive transmission x-ray system supporting electronic steering in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a front view of an x-ray tube showing manipulation of electron beam position for use with the system of fig. 1 featuring a stationary electrode within the housing of the x-ray tube, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a front view of an x-ray tube showing manipulation of electron beam position for use with the system of fig. 1 featuring a stationary electrode outside the housing of the x-ray tube, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the x-ray tube of fig. 2 showing adjustment of electron beam position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a front view of an x-ray tube showing focus manipulation using a magnetic field according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a front view of an x-ray tube showing focus manipulation using different magnetic fields according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a top view of an x-ray tube showing adjustment of focal spot size according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a sample method of using a transmission x-ray system supporting electronic steering, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a machine in the form of a computer system having a set of instructions within the machine that, when executed, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or operations of an electronically-steerable transmissive x-ray system.

Detailed Description

Disclosed herein are transmissive x-ray systems 100 with electronic steering capabilities and methods of use therewith. In particular, the transmission x-ray system 100 may include an x-ray tube 200 for accelerating electrons at high voltage potentials for the purpose of irradiating a sample, such as, but not limited to, blood, insects, pathogens, agricultural products, and the like. The x-ray tube 200 of the system 100 may include an evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, a transmissive transmission target anode 212 including a target element 214 deposited on the enclosure 210, a filament 230 within the enclosure 210, and a cathode structure 227 to facilitate manipulation of the emitted electrons, for example, by utilizing a waveform generator 220, an electrostatic pole 225, a lens, radio frequency signals, and/or magnetic fields. The cathode structure 227 of the x-ray tube 200 may emit electrons toward the transmissive transport target anode 212 and may facilitate electrostatic and/or magnetic effects on the emitted electrons to create a plurality of x-ray field shapes and/or patterns. Furthermore, the electron trajectories of the electrons may be adjusted using the cathode structure 227 of the x-ray tube 200 to optimize the irradiation of the sample within the range of the x-ray tube 200. In addition, the cathode structure 227 and the waveform generator 220, the electrostatic pole 225, lenses, radio frequency signals, and/or magnetic fields of the x-ray tube 200 may be utilized to adjust the focal size of an electron beam associated with the electrons. X-rays generated based on electrons in the electron beam contacting the transmissive transport target anode can be used to irradiate the sample in a targeted manner using patterns, trajectories, and/or shapes. Based at least on the foregoing, the x-ray tube 200 enhances control of the accelerated electrons and the x-rays generated based on the accelerated electrons contacting the transmissive transport target anode 212 to more effectively irradiate the sample.

As shown in fig. 1 and with further reference to fig. 1-9, a transmission x-ray system 100 is disclosed. Notably, the x-ray tube 200 may be the primary component that provides the primary function of the system 100, however, in some embodiments, the x-ray tube 200 may utilize one or more of the other components of the system 100 to facilitate operation of the x-ray tube 200 and/or to provide additional functionality to the x-ray tube 200. Notably, the system 100 can be configured to support, but is not limited to, support a radiation device, a service for facilitating operation of the x-ray tube 200, a server for facilitating operation of the waveform generator 220, a service for facilitating operation of the power supply 290, a service for facilitating operation of the insulator 215, a service for adjusting and/or manipulating the electron and/or electron beam 235, a service for facilitating operation of the cathode structure 227, a data measurement and collection service, a content delivery service, a monitoring service, a cloud computing service, a satellite service, a telephony service, a voice over internet protocol service (VoIP), a software as a service (SaaS) application, a platform as a service (PaaS) application, gaming applications and services, social media applications and services, operations management applications and services, productivity applications and services, mobile applications and services, and/or any other computing applications and services.

Notably, the system 100 can include a first user 101 that can utilize the first user device 102 to access data, content, and services, or perform a variety of other tasks and functions. For example, the first user 101 may utilize the first user device 102 to transmit signals to access various online services and content, such as those available on the internet, other devices, and/or various computing systems. In certain embodiments, the first user 101 may be an individual who may be attempting to irradiate a sample of food, organic material, agricultural product, virus, bacteria, medical device, blood, hemp, plant, cell, cosmetic, agricultural product, packaging, any object, any substance, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first user 101 may be a robot, a computer, a program, a process, any type of user, or any combination thereof. The first user device 102 may include a memory 103 and a processor 104 that includes instructions that execute the instructions from the memory 103 to perform various operations performed by the first user device 102. In some embodiments, the processor 104 may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The first user device 102 may also include an interface 105 (e.g., screen, monitor, graphical user interface, etc.) that may enable the first user 101 to interact with various applications executing on the first user device 102 and with the system 100. In certain embodiments, the first user device 102 may be and/or may include a computer, any type of sensor, a laptop, a set-top box, a tablet device, a tablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and/or any other type of computing device. Illustratively, the first user device 102 is shown as the smartphone device in fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the first user device 102 may be used by the first user 101 to control the operational functions of the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 220, and/or other devices and/or components in the system 100.

In addition to using the first user device 102, the first user 101 may also utilize and/or access additional user devices. As with the first user device 102, the first user 101 may utilize additional user devices to transmit signals to access various online services and content. The additional user device may include a memory including instructions and a processor executing the instructions from the memory to perform various operations performed by the additional user device. In some embodiments, the processor of the additional user device may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The additional user devices may also include an interface that may enable the first user 101 to interact with various applications executing on the additional user devices and with the system 100. In certain embodiments, the additional user devices may be and/or may include a computer, any type of sensor, a laptop, a set-top box, a tablet device, a tablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone, a smartwatch, and/or any other type of computing device, and/or any combination thereof.

The first user device 102 and/or additional user devices may belong to and/or form a communication network. In some embodiments, the communication network may be a local network, mesh network, or other network that implements and/or facilitates various aspects of the functionality of system 100. In certain embodiments, a communication network may be formed between the first user device 102 and additional user devices using any type of wireless or other protocols and/or techniques. For example, user devices may communicate with each other in a communication network by utilizing any protocols and/or wireless technologies, satellites, optical fibers, or any combination thereof. Notably, the communication network may be configured to communicatively link and/or communicate with the system 100 and/or any other network external to the system 100.

In some embodiments, the first user device 102 and the additional user devices belonging to the communication network may share and exchange data with each other via the communication network. For example, the user devices may share information related to various components of the user devices, information identifying locations of the user devices, information indicating types of sensors included in and/or on the user devices, information identifying applications being used by the user devices, information identifying ways in which the user uses the user devices, information including measurement data obtained via sensors of the x-ray tube 200 and/or the waveform generator 220, information identifying user profiles of users of the user devices, information identifying device profiles of the user devices, information identifying numbers of devices in the communication network, information identifying devices added to or removed from the communication network, any other information, or any combination thereof.

In addition to the first user 101, the system 100 may also include a second user 110 that may perform a variety of functions with the second user device 111. For example, second user device 111 may be used by second user 110 to transmit signals to request various types of content, services, and data provided by and/or accessible by communication network 135 or any other network in system 100. In certain embodiments, the second user 110 may be an individual who may attempt to irradiate food, agricultural products, pathogens, electronics, viruses, bacteria, medical devices, blood, hemp, plants, cells, cosmetics, agricultural by-products, packaging, any object, any substance, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the second user 110 may be a robot, a computer, a program, a process, any type of user, or any combination thereof. The second user device 111 may include a memory 112 and a processor 113 that includes instructions that execute the instructions from the memory 112 to perform various operations performed by the second user device 111. In certain embodiments, the processor 113 may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The second user device 111 may also include an interface 114 (e.g., screen, monitor, graphical user interface, etc.) that may enable the second user 110 to interact with various applications executing on the second user device 111 and with the system 100. In some embodiments, the second user device 111 may be a computer, a laptop computer, a set-top box, a tablet device, a tablet, a server, a mobile device, a smart phone, a smart watch, and/or any other type of computing device. Illustratively, the second user device 111 is shown as the tablet computer device in fig. 1.

In certain embodiments, the first user device 102, additional user devices, and/or the second user device 111 may store and/or access any number of software applications and/or application services thereon. For example, the first user device 102, additional user devices, and/or the second user device 111 may include an application for controlling the x-ray tube 200, an application for controlling the waveform generator 220, an application for controlling any device of the system 100, an application for controlling the stationary electrode 225, the lens, the radio frequency device, the magnet, and/or other components of the x-ray tube 220 (e.g., controlling location, direction, function, etc.), an interactive social media application, a biometric application, a cloud-based application, a VoIP application, other types of cell phone-based applications, a product ordering application, a business application, an e-commerce application, a media streaming application, a content-based application, a media editing application, a database application, a gaming application, an internet-based application, a browser application, a mobile application, a service-based application, a productivity application, a video application, a music application, a social media application, any other types of applications, any other types of application services, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, software applications may support the functionality provided by the systems 100 and methods described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the software applications and services may include one or more graphical user interfaces to enable the first user 101 and the second user 110 to easily interact with the software applications. The software applications and services may also be used by the first user 101 and the second user 110 to interact with any device in the system 100, any network in the system 100, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the first user device 102, the additional user device, and/or the second user device 111 may include an associated telephone number, device identification, or any other identifier to uniquely identify the first user device 102, the additional user device, and/or the second user device 111.

The system 100 may also include a communication network 135. The communication network 135 may be under the control of a service provider, the first user 101, the second user 110, any other designated user, a computer, another network, or a combination thereof. The communication network 135 of the system 100 may be configured to link each of the devices in the system 100 to each other. For example, the communication network 135 may be used by the first user device 102 to connect with other devices within or outside of the communication network 135, such as, but not limited to, the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 220, any other device of the system 100, or a combination thereof. Further, the communication network 135 may be configured to transmit, generate, and receive any information and data traversing the system 100. In certain embodiments, the communication network 135 may include any number of servers, databases, or other components. The communication network 135 may also include and be connected to a mesh network, a local network, a cloud computing network, an IMS network, a VoIP network, a security network, a VoLTE network, a wireless network, an ethernet network, a satellite network, a broadband network, a cellular network, a private network, a cable network, the internet, an internet protocol network, an MPLS network, a traffic distribution network, any network, or any combination thereof. Illustratively, servers 140, 145, and 150 are shown as being contained within communications network 135. In some embodiments, communication network 135 may be part of a single autonomous system located in a particular geographic area, or part of multiple autonomous systems spanning several geographic areas.

Notably, the functions of system 100 may be supported and performed using any combination of servers 140, 145, 150, and 160. Servers 140, 145, and 150 may reside in communication network 135, however, in some embodiments servers 140, 145, 150 may reside outside of communication network 135. Servers 140, 145, and 150 may provide and act as server services that perform various operations and functions provided by system 100. In certain embodiments, the server 140 may include a memory 141 that includes instructions and a processor 142 that executes instructions from the memory 141 to perform various operations performed by the server 140. The processor 142 may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Similarly, the server 145 may include a memory 146 including instructions and a processor 147 executing the instructions from the memory 146 to perform various operations performed by the server 145. Further, the server 150 may include a memory 151 and a processor 152, the memory including instructions, the processor executing the instructions from the memory 151 to perform various operations performed by the server 150. In some embodiments, servers 140, 145, 150, and 160 may be web servers, routers, gateways, switches, media distribution hubs, signal transfer points, service control points, service switching points, firewalls, routers, edge devices, nodes, computers, mobile devices, or any other suitable computing device or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the servers 140, 145, 150 may be communicatively linked to the communication network 135, any network, any device in the system 100, or any combination thereof.

Database 155 of system 100 may be used to store and relay information traversing system 100, to cache content traversing system 100, to store data regarding each device in system 100, and to perform any other typical function of a database. In some embodiments, database 155 may be connected to or reside within communication network 135, any other network, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, database 155 may act as a central repository for any information associated with any one device and information associated with system 100. Further, database 155 may include or be connected to a processor and memory to perform various operations associated with database 155. In certain embodiments, database 155 may be connected to servers 140, 145, 150, 160, first user device 102, second user device 111, additional user devices, x-ray tube 200, waveform generator 220, any device in system 100, any process of system 100, any program of system 100, any other device, any network, or any combination thereof.

Database 155 may also store information and metadata obtained from system 100, store metadata and other information associated with first user 101 and second user 110, store data generated by x-ray tube 200, store data generated by waveform generator 220, store data generated by system 100 and/or sensors of x-ray tube 200 and/or waveform generator 220, store temperature readings obtained via sensors of x-ray tube 200, store orientation information associated with electrostatic pole 225 for facilitating manipulation of electronics, lenses, radio frequency devices, magnets and/or other components of system 100, store device profiles associated with first user 101 and second user 110, store device profiles associated with any device in system 100, store communications traversing system 100, store user preferences, store information associated with any device or signal in system 100, store information related to usage patterns of user devices 102, 111, store any information obtained from any network in system 100, store information associated with first user 101 and second user 110, store information associated with any user's 101 and second user's 110, store a history of operation of any system 100 and any disclosed function, store information associated with any device and any system 100, store a combination thereof, store information associated with any user's 101 and/or any system of processing functions associated therewith. Further, database 155 may be configured to process queries sent to it by any device in system 100.

As shown in the drawings and schematic diagrams shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the system 100 may also include an x-ray tube 200. The x-ray tube 200 may be configured to facilitate emission of electrons and/or electron beams, and accelerate such electrons and/or electron beams at high voltage potentials toward a transmissive anode target 212 and associated target elements 214 deposited thereon. Based on the collision of electrons with the transmissive anode target 212 and associated target elements 214, x-rays are generated in multiple directions and can be used to irradiate a sample in the x-ray range. In certain embodiments, the x-ray tube 200 may include a plurality of components that work together to provide the operational functionality of the x-ray tube 200. In particular, the x-ray tube 200 may include, but is not limited to, any number and/or combination of the following components: substrate 205, evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, top 211 of evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, transmissive transmission target anode 212, target element 214 deposited on transmissive transmission target anode 212, insulator 215, one or more stationary electrodes 225 (and/or quadrupole mass spectrometer/analyzer/filter, lens (e.g., SEM focusing lens), radio frequency device (e.g., linear accelerator), magnet and/or other device), cathode structure 227, one or more filaments 230, any number of sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, motion and/or any other type of sensor), processor, memory, transceiver, any other component, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the waveform generator 220 for generating waveforms (e.g., sine, cosine, etc.) may be integrated with the x-ray tube 200, or may be a separate stand-alone device. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the x-ray tube 200 and/or the waveform generator 200 may be configured to be powered by a power supply 290, which may be connected to a power source.

The substrate 205 may be used to support the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, the insulator 215, the electrostatic electrode 225, and/or other components of the x-ray tube. Further, wiring and/or power components may reside within and/or adjacent to the substrate 205 and may be coupled or communicatively linked to the power supply 290 and/or the waveform generator 220. In certain embodiments, the substrate 205 may be secured to the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 such that a seal is created between the substrate 205 and the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. The evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 may be used to house and protect various components of the x-ray tube 200, such as, but not limited to, an insulator 215, one or more stationary electrodes 225, a filament 230, and/or other components of the x-ray tube 200. In certain embodiments, the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 may be made of glass, metal, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 can have a cylindrical shape, however, in certain embodiments, the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 can have a dome shape, a hemispherical shape, a polygonal shape, and/or any other desired shape. In certain embodiments, one end of the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 may have a certain shape or design, while the other end of the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 may have a different shape or design (e.g., one end having a hemispherical shape and the other end having a square to rectangular shape).

In certain embodiments, the transmissive anode target 212 can be deposited on the inner surface of the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, and can encompass the entire inner surface of the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 or a portion of the inner surface of the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. In certain embodiments, the transmissive anode target 212 can include, but is not limited to, a substantially x-ray transparent material, such as beryllium, carbon (e.g., diamond), aluminum, ceramic, stainless steel, alloy, or combinations thereof. The target element 214 may be integrated into or deposited on the anode target 212 and, in some embodiments, may be formed of gold, lead, or other elements such as copper, silver, uranium, or combinations thereof. The insulator 215 may be a high voltage insulator and may provide a shielding effect for components of the x-ray tube 200. In certain embodiments, the insulator 215 may be a single ended high voltage insulator, however, in certain embodiments, the insulator 215 may be or include a double ended high voltage insulator.

The stationary electrode 225 (and/or lens (e.g., SEM focusing lens), magnet, radio frequency device (e.g., linear accelerator), etc.) may be present within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 (e.g., fig. 2 and 4), outside the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210 (e.g., fig. 3), or both inside and outside the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. In certain embodiments, the assembly may be positioned around the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, as shown in fig. 3. In certain embodiments, a stationary electrode 225 (and/or a lens (e.g., SEM focusing lens), a magnet, a radio frequency device (e.g., a linear accelerator), etc.) may be used to control and/or affect the electron beam shape of the electron beam emitted within the x-ray tube 200, for example, in conjunction with the cathode structure 227 and the operational functions of a waveform generator 220 that generates waveforms for use by the x-ray tube 200. In addition, the waveform generator 220, cathode structure 227, and/or electrostatic electrode 225 (and/or lenses (e.g., SEM focusing lenses), magnets, radio frequency devices (e.g., linear accelerators), etc.) may be used to direct and/or affect the emitted electron beam to a target location or site within the x-ray tube 200 within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. Furthermore, the waveform generator 220, cathode structure 227, and/or electrostatic electrode 225 (and/or lens (e.g., SEM focusing lens), magnet, radio frequency device (e.g., linear accelerator), etc.) may be used to adjust and/or affect the focal size of the electron beam, for example, to adjust the resolution for imaging the electronic component to facilitate detection of defects. In addition, the waveform generator 220 and/or electrostatic electrodes 225 (and/or lenses (e.g., SEM focusing lenses), magnets, radio frequency devices (e.g., linear accelerators), etc.) may be used to manipulate the electron beam to draw a circular ring (or other desired shape) around the x-ray tube 200, forming a circular field pattern (or other desired pattern) instead of a typical spherical pattern.

The x-ray tube 200 may also include a filament 230 disposed within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, and the filament may form part of the cathode structure 227. In certain embodiments, filament 230 may include filament wires that may be electrically connected to an adjustable power supply 290, which may be configured to deliver power to x-ray tube 200 components. The power supply 290 may be configured as an adjustable high voltage power supply that may be electrically connected between the anode 212 and the cathode structure 227. Further, the cathode structure 227 may be disposed within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. In some embodiments, when the x-ray tube 200 is activated, the x-ray tube 200 may emit electrons in an electron beam via the filaments 230 of the cathode structure 227. Once the x-ray tube 200 is activated and receives power via the power supply 290, the cathode structure 227 may be configured to accelerate electrons via the filament 230 toward the transmissive transmission target anode 212 and target element 214 such that x-rays are generated when electrons collide with the anode 212 and target element 214. The generated x-rays may then be used to irradiate a sample within the range of the x-rays and x-ray tube 200.

The waveform generator 220 may be coupled to the x-ray tube 200, may be integrated with the x-ray tube 200, may be separate from the x-ray tube 200, or may have any configuration with respect to the x-ray tube 200. The waveform generator 220 may receive power from the power supply 290 and may be configured to generate various types of electrical waveforms at a desired frequency. For example, waveform generator 220 may be configured to generate waveforms including, but not limited to, sine waves, cosine waves, triangular waves, saw tooth waves, rectangular waves, any type of wave, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, waveform generator 220 may be configured to generate waveforms having a repeating pattern, a pulse pattern, and/or any desired pattern. The waveform generator 220, along with the cathode structure 227 and the electrostatic electrode 225 (and/or lens (e.g., SEM focusing lens), magnet, radio frequency device (e.g., linear accelerator), etc.), may be used together to adjust the focal spot size of the electron beam, generate x-ray field shapes (e.g., linear, square, spherical, hemispherical, annular, and/or other shapes), generate any type of pattern (i.e., dynamic pattern and/or electrostatic pattern), direct the electron beam to a particular location within the x-ray tube 200, and/or manipulate the electron and/or electron beam in any desired manner.

Operationally, the system 100 is operable and/or performs functions as described in the methods of the present disclosure and the use case scenarios below. According to an exemplary scenario, the first user 101 may need to irradiate multiple samples. To this end, the first user 101 may position the sample at a particular location relative to the x-ray tube 200, such as around the x-ray tube 200 housing 210, at a particular location within the range of the x-ray tube 200, or a combination thereof. The first user 101 may activate the x-ray tube 200, for example, by activating a switch or a power button of the x-ray tube 200. In certain embodiments, the first user 101 may activate the x-ray tube 200 using the first user device 102 or by using other devices of the system 100. Once activated, the waveform generator 220, electrostatic electrodes (and/or lenses, radio frequency devices, and/or magnets), along with the cathode structure 227, may facilitate the emission of electrons in the electron beam through the filament 230 and manipulate the electrons and/or electron beam in a desired manner. For example, as shown in fig. 2, waveform generator 220 (and/or other components) may be used to cause movement of the electron beam/field to move electron beam 235 to a left position 236 and electron beam 235 to a right position 237. The stationary electrode 225 may be used to influence the direction of the electron beam and to influence the shape of the x-ray field associated with the electron beam. The stationary electrode 225 may be positioned inside (e.g., fig. 2) and/or outside (e.g., fig. 3) the x-ray tube 200 and/or both inside and outside. In certain embodiments, the waveform generator 220 and/or the electrostatic pole 225 (and/or the lens, the radio frequency device, and/or the magnet) along with the cathode structure 227 may also be used to rotate the electron beam around to create a conical shape or other desired shape. In an example scenario, the component may be used to manipulate electrons to generate a circular impact pattern (e.g., a circular ring or annular pattern as shown in fig. 4, which may be generated based on a 3D superposition of beams located at locations 236 and/or 237). In such examples, x-rays may be emitted from locations within the ring/annulus shape produced by the x-ray tube 200 when electrons collide and strike with the anode target 212 and the target element 214 deposited on the housing 210. The x-rays may then be used to irradiate a sample positioned proximate to the region where the x-rays were emitted. Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate how the focal spot size and/or position of the electron beam can be adjusted by using magnetic fields 250, 260. Fig. 7 shows how the focal spot size of focal spot 280 is tighter than the original size of focal spot 270 when a stronger magnetic field is utilized. Depending on the strength of the magnetic field used in the presence of the electron beam generated by the x-ray tube 200, the spot size may be adjusted to change the diameter and/or shape. Notably, the direction, pattern and/or shape (linear, square, rectangular, line, circular, annular, etc.) of the electron beam and/or the resulting x-rays can be used to irradiate the sample in a controlled and efficient manner. In practice, the sample may be positioned at a desired location relative to the x-ray tube 200 by the first user 101 knowing the electron beam, and the resulting x-rays will have a pattern, shape, focus size, and/or direction to effectively irradiate the sample positioned at such location. The pattern, shape, and/or direction of the electron beam may be adjusted by components of the x-ray tube 200 depending on the particular sample being irradiated and/or based on the preferences of the first user 101.

Notably, as shown in fig. 1, the system 100 may perform the operational functions disclosed herein by utilizing the processing power of the server 160, the storage capacity of the database 155, or any other component of the system 100 to perform any of the operational functions disclosed herein. The server 160 may include one or more processors 162 that may be configured to process any of the various functions of the system 100. The processor 162 may be software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the server 160 may also include a memory 161 that stores instructions executable by the processor 162 to perform various operations of the system 100. For example, the server 160 may help handle loads handled by various devices in the system 100, such as, but not limited to, activating and/or deactivating the x-ray tube 200 and/or the waveform generator 220; positioning a sample to be irradiated within the range of the x-ray tube 200; facilitating emission of electrons in the electron beam, for example, toward anode structure 212 of x-ray tube 200; manipulating the electrons and/or electron beams by utilizing the waveform generator 200, electrostatic electrodes 225 (and/or lenses, magnets, radio frequency devices, etc.), or a combination thereof; generating one or more x-ray field shapes and/or patterns associated with the emitted electrons based on manipulation of the electrons and/or electron beams; adjusting the focal point size of the electron beam; irradiating the sample with x-rays generated using emitted electrons of the electron beam; and perform any other suitable operations in the system 100 or otherwise. In one embodiment, multiple servers 160 may be used to process the functions of system 100. The database 155 may be utilized by the server 160 and other devices in the system 100 for storing data regarding the devices in the system 100 or any other information associated with the system 100. In one embodiment, multiple databases 155 may be used to store data in the system 100.

Although fig. 1-9 illustrate particular example configurations of the various components of the system 100, the system 100 may include any configuration of components, which may include using a greater or lesser number of components. For example, the system 100 is illustratively shown as including a first user device 102, a second user device 111, an x-ray tube 200, a waveform generator 220, an insulator 215, an electrostatic pole 225 (or magnet, radio frequency device, lens, etc.), a housing 210, a power supply 290, a communication network 135, a server 140, a server 145, a server 150, a server 160, and a database 155. However, the system 100 may include a plurality of first user devices 102, a plurality of second user devices 111, a plurality of x-ray tubes 200, a plurality of waveform generators 220, a plurality of insulators 215, any number of stationary electrodes 225 (or magnets, radio frequency devices, lenses, etc.), a plurality of housings 210, a plurality of power supplies 290, a plurality of communication networks 135, a plurality of servers 140, a plurality of servers 145, a plurality of servers 150, a plurality of servers 160, a plurality of databases 155, or any number of any other components internal or external to the system 100. Moreover, in certain embodiments, a significant portion of the functions and operations of system 100 may be performed by other networks and systems that may be connected to system 100.

Notably, the system 100 can perform and/or perform the functions as described in the methods below. As shown in fig. 8, an exemplary method 800 of utilizing an electron manipulation-capable transmission x-ray system is schematically illustrated. The method 800 may include the step of utilizing a unique x-ray tube that generates a unique x-ray field shape and/or pattern in order to irradiate a sample positioned within the range of the x-ray tube 200. In addition, the method 800 may be used to adjust the focal spot size of the electron beam by utilizing the steering capabilities of the x-ray tube 200, which may also be used to irradiate the sample in a desired manner. To this end, at step 802, the method 800 may include positioning a sample within the range of the x-ray tube 200 for irradiating one or more samples. In certain embodiments, the positioning of the sample may be performed and/or facilitated by the first user 101, the second user 110, and/or by utilizing the first user device 102, the second user device 111, the server 140, the server 145, the server 150, the server 160, the communication network 135, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or device.

At step 804, the method 800 may include activating the x-ray tube 200. The x-ray tube 200 may be activated by pressing a button of the x-ray tube 200, activating a switch of the x-ray tube 200, providing an input to a device coupled to the x-ray tube 200, providing an input to a device communicatively linked to the x-ray tube 200, providing other activation mechanisms or techniques, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, activation may be performed and/or facilitated by first user 101, second user 110, and/or by utilizing first user device 102, second user device 111, server 140, server 145, server 150, server 160, communication network 135, waveform generator 220, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or device. At step 806, the method 800 may include facilitating emission of electrons in the electron beam toward an anode of the x-ray tube 200. For example, by utilizing cathode structure 227, filament 230, and/or other components of x-ray tube 200, electrons can be transported toward transmissive transport target anode 212 and target element 214 deposited on the evacuated and vacuum-sealed enclosure of x-ray tube 200. In certain embodiments, the x-ray tube 200 may be configured to accelerate the affected electrons at a high voltage potential. In certain embodiments, the transmission of electrons in the electron beam may be performed and/or facilitated by utilizing x-ray tube 200, waveform generator 220, filament 230, first user device 102, second user device 111, server 140, server 145, server 150, server 160, communication network 135, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or device.

At step 808, the method 800 may include facilitating manipulation of emitted electrons in an electron beam by utilizing the waveform generator 220, an electrostatic pole 225 (e.g., a quadrupole mass spectrometer), a radio frequency signal emitted by a radio frequency device (e.g., a linear accelerator), a magnetic field provided by a magnet and/or a focusing lens (e.g., an SEM focusing lens), or a combination thereof. For example, the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 200, the stationary electrode 225, the cathode structure 227, the radio frequency signal, the magnetic field, or a combination thereof may be used to direct electrons and/or electron beams containing electrons to selected sites or locations on the target element 214 of the transmissive transmission anode structure 212 deposited on the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210. In certain embodiments, the stationary electrode 225, radio frequency device, magnetic device, focusing lens, and/or other device is used to adjust the trajectory of the electrons and/or electron beams. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic electrodes 225, radio frequency devices, magnetic devices, focusing lenses, and/or other devices for manipulating electrons may be positioned within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure 210, outside the x-ray tube 200, or both inside and outside the x-ray tube 200. In addition to directing electrons and/or electron beams to a particular site or location, the electrons and/or electron beams may also be manipulated by components to control the shape of the electron beam within the x-ray tube 200 itself and/or to create a pattern using the electron beam. In certain embodiments, manipulation of the emitted electrons may be performed and/or facilitated by utilizing the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 220, the electrostatic pole 225 (and/or magnets, radio frequency devices, lenses, etc.), the first user device 102, the second user device 111, the server 140, the server 145, the server 150, the server 160, the communication network 135, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or system.

At step 810, based on manipulation of the electrons and/or electron beams, the method 800 may include generating one or more x-ray field shapes and/or patterns for the electrons and/or electron beams. For example, the x-ray field shape and/or pattern may include, but is not limited to, a line, square, sphere, hemisphere, rectangle, row, circle, triangle, polygon, ring (e.g., torus), trapezoid, star field pattern, pattern conforming to a desired shape, any type of shape and/or pattern, or a combination thereof. The x-ray field shape and/or pattern may be generated within the evacuated and vacuum-tight enclosure 210 of the x-ray tube 200. The x-rays used to irradiate the sample may be generated based on the contact of electrons in the electron beam with the transmissive anode target 212 containing the target element 214. For example, bremsstrahlung x-ray spectra may be generated using a plurality of accelerated electrons contacting a transmissive anode target 212 comprising a target element 214. In certain embodiments, the generation of one or more x-ray field shapes and/or patterns may be performed and/or facilitated by utilizing the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 220, the electrostatic pole 225 (and/or magnets, radio frequency devices, lenses, etc.), the first user device 102, the second user device 111, the server 140, the server 145, the server 150, the server 160, the communication network 135, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or device.

At step 812, which may be optional, the method 800 may include adjusting a focal spot size of one or more electron beams generated by the x-ray tube 200 based on manipulation of the electrons and/or electron beams. For example, the width, diameter, or other characteristics associated with the focal spot size may be increased, decreased, or otherwise adjusted by utilizing components of the x-ray tube 200, such as by utilizing magnetic fields, radio frequency signals, lenses, static electrodes, and/or other components. Such parameters of focal spot size may also be adjusted depending on the sample to be irradiated by the x-ray tube 200. In certain embodiments, the adjustment of the focal spot size may be performed and/or facilitated by utilizing the x-ray tube 200, the waveform generator 220, the electrostatic pole 225 (and/or magnets, radio frequency devices, lenses, etc.), the first user device 102, the second user device 111, the server 140, the server 145, the server 150, the server 160, the communication network 135, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other suitable program, network, system, or device. At step 814, the method 800 may include irradiating one or more samples with x-rays generated with emitted electrons in an electron beam emitted and accelerated by the x-ray tube 200. For example, x-rays may be generated based on the contact and interaction of the accelerated electrons with the transmissive anode target 212 and the target element 214 deposited thereon.

In certain embodiments, the method 800 may be used for various types of applications and/or purposes. For example, the method 800 may be used to irradiate a sample, including but not limited to electronics, blood, insects, agricultural products, organic products, consumables, pathogens, biological samples, objects, liquids, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the method 800 may be used to micro-focus imaging case scenes. In certain embodiments, the method 800 may be used in batch irradiation applications, destructive irradiation applications, non-destructive applications, imaging applications, or any combination thereof. Notably, the method 800 may further incorporate any of the features and functions described with respect to the system 100, any other method disclosed herein or otherwise described herein.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may include other functions and features. For example, the operational functions of the system 100 and method may be configured to be performed on a special purpose processor that is specifically configured to perform the operations provided by the system 100 and method. Notably, the operational features and functions provided by the system 100 and methods may increase the efficiency of a computing device for facilitating the functions provided by the system 100 and various methods disclosed herein. For example, by training the system 100 over time based on data and/or other information provided and/or generated in the system 100, a reduced amount of computer operations need to be performed by devices in the system 100 using the processor and memory of the system 100 as compared to conventional methods. In this context, less processing power needs to be utilized, as the processor and memory need not be dedicated to processing. Thus, by utilizing the software, techniques and algorithms provided in this disclosure, significant savings in utilization of computer resources may be achieved. In some embodiments, various operational functions of the system 100 may be configured to execute on one or more graphics processors and/or application specific integrated processors.

Notably, in certain embodiments, the various functions and features of the system 100 and method may operate without any human intervention, and may be performed entirely by a computing device. In some embodiments, for example, numerous computing devices may interact with the devices of system 100 to provide functionality supported by system 100. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the computing devices of the system 100 may operate continuously and without human intervention to reduce the likelihood of errors being introduced into the system 100. In certain embodiments, the system 100 and method may also provide for efficient computing resource management by utilizing the features and functions described in this disclosure. For example, in certain embodiments, devices in the system 100 may transmit signals indicating that only a particular amount of computer processor resources (e.g., processor clock cycles, processor speed, etc.) may be devoted to facilitating operation of the x-ray tube 200 and/or the waveform generator 220 and/or to performing any other operation by the system 100, or any combination thereof. For example, the signals may indicate that a number of processor cycles of the processor may be used to facilitate measurement of data associated with the operation of the x-ray tube 200 and/or to specify any one of a selected amount of processing power that may be dedicated to generation or operations performed by the system 100. In certain embodiments, signals indicative of a particular amount of computer processor resources or computer memory resources to be used to perform the operations of the system 100 may be transmitted from the first user device 102 and/or the second user device 111 to various components of the system 100.

In certain embodiments, any device in system 100 may transmit a signal to the memory device such that the memory device uses only a selected amount of memory resources for various operations of system 100. In certain embodiments, the system 100 and method may also include transmitting signals to the processor and memory to perform the operational functions of the system 100 and method only for a period of time when the utilization of the processing resources and/or memory resources in the system 100 is at a selected value. In certain embodiments, the system 100 and method may include transmitting a signal to a memory device used in the system 100 indicating which particular sections of memory are applied to store any data utilized or generated by the system 100. Notably, the signals transmitted to the processor and memory can be used to optimize the utilization of computing resources in performing the operations performed by the system 100. Thus, such functionality provides significant operational efficiency and improvements over the prior art.

Referring now also to fig. 9, at least a portion of the methods and techniques described with respect to the exemplary embodiment of system 100 may be incorporated into a machine, such as, but not limited to, a computer system 900 or other computing device, the set of instructions within which, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods or functions discussed above. The machine may be configured to facilitate various operations by the system 100. For example, a machine may be configured to assist system 100 by providing processing power to assist in processing loads experienced in system 100, by providing storage capacity for storing instructions or data that traverse system 100, or by assisting any other operations performed by or within system 100. In certain embodiments, some or all of the components of the system 900 may be incorporated into the x-ray tube 200 and/or any other device provided in fig. 1-9 in order to facilitate the operational functionality of such devices. For example, the system 900 may be used to facilitate the generation of waveforms and/or to measure data generated by the operation of the x-ray tube 200 and/or other devices of fig. 1-9.

In some embodiments, the machine may operate as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a communication network 135, another network, or a combination thereof) to and facilitate operations performed by other machines and systems, such as, but not limited to, the first user device 102, the second user device 111, the x-ray tube 200, the server 140, the server 145, the server 150, the database 155, the server 160, the waveform generator 220, the power supply 290, any of the devices, systems or programs of fig. 1-9, any other system, program, and/or device, or a combination thereof. The machine may be coupled to any of the components in the system 100. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a point-to-point (or distributed) network environment. The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Furthermore, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (one or more) of the instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Computer system 900 may include a processor 902 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 904, and a static memory 906) in communication with each other via a bus 908 computer system 900 may further include a video display unit 910, which may be, but is not limited to, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a tablet, a solid state display, or a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), computer system 2200 may include an input device 912, such as, but is not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device 914, such as, but is not limited to, a mouse, a disk drive unit 916, a signal generation device 918, such as, but is not limited to, a speaker or remote controller, and a network interface device 920.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a machine-readable medium 922 having stored thereon one or more instruction sets 924, such as, but not limited to, software embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those described above. The instructions 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 904, the static memory 906, or within the processor 902 during execution thereof by the computer system 900, or combinations thereof. The main memory 904 and the processor 902 may also constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more particular interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a computer processor. Moreover, a software implementation may include, but is not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing may also be configured to implement the methods described herein.

The present disclosure encompasses machine-readable medium 922 containing instructions 924 such that a device connected to communication network 135, another network, or a combination thereof can send or receive voice, video, or data, and communicate via communication network 135, another network, or a combination thereof using the instructions. The instructions 924 may further be transmitted or received via the network interface device 920 via the communication network 135, another network, or a combination thereof.

While the machine-readable medium 922 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The terms "machine-readable medium," "machine-readable device," or "computer-readable device" shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: memory devices, solid state memory such as memory cards or other packages containing one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memory or other rewritable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical media such as magnetic disks or tapes; or other independent information archive or set of archives, should be considered a distributed medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. A "machine-readable medium," "machine-readable device," or "computer-readable device" may be non-transitory and, in some embodiments, may not include a carrier wave or signal itself. Accordingly, the present disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium or a distributed medium as listed herein, and includes art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The drawings are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Some of them may be amplified and others may be minimized. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the present invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, as well as other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to persons of skill in the art upon review of the foregoing description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration, explanation and description. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the foregoing embodiments that the embodiments can be modified, reduced or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims as described below.

Claims

1. An x-ray tube, comprising:

evacuating and vacuum sealing the enclosure;

a transmissive transfer target anode deposited on the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure;

a filament disposed within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure; and

a cathode structure disposed within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure,

wherein the cathode structure emits electrons in an electron beam via the filament towards the transmissive transport target anode,

wherein the cathode structure manipulates the electrons in the electron beam by using a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof.

2. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the cathode structure facilitates electrostatic or magnetic influence on the electrons in the electron beam to produce a plurality of x-ray field shapes, patterns, or combinations thereof.

3. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the cathode structure facilitates adjustment of an impingement position of the electrons on the transmissive transmission target anode by manipulating the electrons in the electron beam.

4. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the cathode structure facilitates the manipulation of the electrons in the electron beam by utilizing the waveform generator, the stationary electrode, the radio frequency signal, the magnetic field, or a combination thereof to adjust a focal spot size of the electron beam.

5. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein x-rays generated when the electrons in the electron beam contact the transmissive target anode are used to irradiate a sample, wherein the sample comprises blood, insects, agricultural products, organic products, consumables, pathogens, biological samples, objects, or a combination thereof.

6. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the x-ray tube is used for micro-focus imaging.

7. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the x-ray tube utilizes the electrostatic pole, a focusing lens, the radio frequency signal, a magnet associated with the magnetic field, or a combination thereof to adjust a trajectory of the electrons in the electron beam.

8. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the stationary electrode, focusing lens, magnet, or combination thereof is positioned within the housing, outside the housing, around the housing, or a combination thereof.

9. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the transmissive transmission target anode deposited on the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure is coated with a target element that facilitates the production of bremsstrahlung x-ray spectra from accelerated ones of the electrons in the electron beam.

10. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein the transmissive transmission target anode comprises a substantially x-ray transparent material, wherein the material comprises beryllium, carbon, aluminum, ceramic, stainless steel, an alloy, or a combination thereof.

11. The x-ray tube of claim 1, further comprising a single-ended or double-ended high voltage insulator.

12. The x-ray tube of claim 1, wherein filament wires of the filament are electrically connected to an adjustable power supply associated with the x-ray tube.

13. The x-ray tube of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable high voltage power supply electrically connected between the transmissive transmission target anode and the cathode structure.

14. A method, comprising:

positioning a sample within the range of an x-ray tube for irradiating the sample;

activating the x-ray tube;

facilitating emission of electrons in an electron beam via a cathode structure of the x-ray tube toward a transmissive transport anode structure deposited on a housing of the x-ray tube;

facilitating manipulation of the electrons in the electron beam by utilizing a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof;

generating an x-ray field shape, pattern, or combination thereof associated with the electrons in the electron beam based on the manipulation;

irradiating the sample with x-rays generated based on the electrons in the electron beam contacting the transmissive transmission anode structure of the x-ray tube, wherein the x-ray field shape, pattern, or combination thereof is generated by an electron beam shape, pattern, or combination thereof associated with the electrons.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the x-ray field shape, pattern, or combination thereof comprises a line shape, a square shape, a sphere shape, a hemispherical shape, other shapes, or a combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the sample comprises an electronic device, an insect, blood, an agricultural product, an organic product, a consumable, a pathogen, a biological sample, a medical device, a medical instrument, or a combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting a focus size of the electron beam based on the manipulation.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the sample comprises a batch irradiation application, a destructive irradiation application, a non-destructive application, an imaging application, or a combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting the manipulation of the electrons in the electron beam when different samples are positioned within the x-ray tube to optimize irradiation of the different samples at particular locations where the different samples are located.

20. An x-ray tube, comprising:

a housing;

a transmissive transmission target anode deposited on the housing; and

a cathode structure disposed within the evacuated and vacuum sealed enclosure,

wherein the cathode structure emits electrons in an electron beam towards the transmissive transport target anode,

wherein the cathode structure manipulates the electrons in the electron beam by utilizing a waveform generator, a stationary electrode, a radio frequency signal, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof to produce a plurality of x-ray field shapes, patterns, or a combination thereof.