Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.

Carl Zeiss Meditec Gmbh

Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag

Claus Flachenecker

Matthew J Everett

Martin Hacker

Keith E O'Hara

Scott A Meyer

Rick A Williams

Thomas Anthony Case

Bruce Borchers

Keith E O'hara

A method for controlling an x-ray source comprises generating an electron beam for striking the target to generate x-rays and steering the electron beam to a desired location on the target using a first and a second steering system distributed along a flight tube. In this way, the beam can be steering to the desired location while also passing through the center of a focusing lens to maintain optimal beam characteristics. Also possible is scanning the electron beam over the target to find a fiducial mark. Then, a desired location can be found as an offset from this mark.

Reflection target X-ray source with steered beam on target

An x-ray source has a target assembly including a target, an electron source for generating electrons to impact the target, and a flight tube assembly separating the target assembly from the electron source and transporting a coolant to the target assembly. The flight tube assembly includes a flight tube interface ring, a target cartridge tube, and an electrical isolation ring between the flight tube interface ring and the target cartridge tube.

Method and system for liquid cooling isolated x-ray transmission target

An x-ray source includes an optical communications link to provide a galvanically isolated communication between a system controller and a gun controller. In specific examples, the link is provided through one or more fibers. In addition, the gun controller is preferably remote programmed by the system controller during startup. This addresses the problem of reprogramming a processor in a hard to access location/environment. A watchdog timer is also useful for the gun digital processor of the gun controller.

Fiber-optic communication for embedded electronics in x-ray generator

The electron beam is typically dynamically steered after its generation on the path to the target. The steering is performed by one or more source coils. These coils produce the magnetic field outside the vacuum vessel allowing air/water/oil cooling to remove undesired heat. The magnetic field is then picked up inside the vacuum vessel with pole pieces and guided towards the region where the magnetic field is needed to steer the electron beam.

X-ray source with liquid cooled source coils

During operation of a reflection target x-ray source, heat must be removed from many components. The electron beam must be steered to the target and may interact with structures along this path. There is also heat generated in the target itself. This can be excessive, since only a very small percentage of the electron beam's energy is transformed into x-rays. Finally, the x-rays must exit the vacuum through the window, which can also be heated both by the x-rays, reflected electrons, and radiant heat from the target. A water cooled reflective x-ray source provides for water or other fluid cooling of the centering aperture, x-ray target, and/or exit window.

Fluid cooled reflective x-ray source

A line scan imager is used to determine the motion of a subject. Each line of image data from the line scan imager is compared with a reference image. The location of a matching line in the reference image reveals the displacement of the subject. The current subject displacement can be determined based on each line of image data. The resulting displacement information can be used to correctly place other optical beams on the subject. The method can be applied to tracking the human eye to facilitate measurement, imaging, or treatment with a beam of optical radiation.

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Hayward, CA, United States of America

Claus Flachenecker