Photoelectron Corporation

Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.

Carl-zeiss-stiftung

Carl Zeiss Ag

Other

Moxtek, Inc.

Twx, LLC

Mark T Dinsmore

David J Caruso

Alan P Sliski

Donald O Smith

Euan Thomson

Kenneth J Harte

Anthonius J Boom

Peter M Nomikos

Nicholas T Zervas

An embodiment of a device for producing x-rays is described that comprises an x-ray tube and a high-voltage power supply electrically coupled to the x-ray tube, where the high-voltage power supply comprises a first stack of D shaped capacitors arranged in an opposed relationship with a second stack of D shaped capacitors.

Cylindrical high voltage arrangement for a miniature x-ray system

A device for producing x-rays includes: a housing that includes a folded high-voltage multiplier coupled to a filament transformer, the transformer coupled to an x-ray tube for producing the x-rays. A method of fabrication and an x-ray source are disclosed.

Volumetrically efficient miniature X-ray system

An x-ray beam control system includes a feedback control loop circuit having a modulation circuit. The feedback control loop circuit generates a control signal. A x-ray tube, has a filament response profile of tube current versus filament temperature that is non-linear. A compensation circuit receives the control signal and modifies the control signal according to a compensating function that is matched to the filament response profile. The modulation circuit receives the modified control signal and generates a drive signal. The x-ray tube receives the drive signal at a filament thereof, and outputs a tube current signal having a linear response to the control signal. The feedback control loop circuit receives the tube current signal.

Dynamically adjustable filament control through firmware for miniature x-ray source

An electrically heated planar cathode for use in miniature x-ray tubes may be spiral design laser cut from a thin tantalum alloy ribbon foil (with grain stabilizing features). Bare ribbon is mounted to an aluminum nitride substrate in a manner that is puts the ribbon in minimal tension before it is machined into the spiral pattern. The spiral pattern can be optimized for electrical, thermal, and emission characteristics.

Electrically heated planar cathode

A high-voltage isolation transformer utilizing balun cores for transferring an alternating current signal from a first circuit to an output circuit, and a high voltage generator, such as a Cockcroft-Walton multiplier to apply a high direct current voltage bias with a high degree of voltage isolation between the first circuit and the output circuit. Multiple balun core transformers can be used in order to reduce the voltage rise between each individual transformer.

Transformer with high voltage isolation

A therapeutic radiation source includes a spiral-shaped, laser-heated thermionic cathode. A fiber optic cable directs a beam of radiation, having a power level sufficient to heat at least a portion of the electron-emissive surface to an electron emitting temperature, from a laser source onto the cathode. The cathode generates an electron beam along a beam path by thermionic emission, and strikes a target positioned in its beam path. The target includes radiation emissive material that emits therapeutic radiation in response to incident accelerated electrons from the electron beam. The spiral-shaped conductive element has a plurality of spaced apart turns, and is disposed in a vacuum. An interstitial spacing is defined between adjacent turns, so that heat transfer across the spacing between each adjacent turn is essentially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing heat loss in the cathode caused by thermal conduction.

Optically driven therapeutic radiation source having a spiral shaped thermionic cathode

A miniaturized, increased efficiency x-ray source for materials analysis includes a laser source, an optical delivery structure, a laser-driven thermionic cathode (), an anode (), and a target from the laser source and directs the beam onto a surface of the themionic cathode. The surfaces electrons form an electron beam along a beam path. The target element () is disposed in the beam path, and emits x-rays in response to incident accelerated electrons from the thermionic cathode. The target element includes an inclined surface that forms an angle of inclination () of about 40 degrees with respect to the electon beam path, so that x-rays are emitted from the target substantially at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the electron beam path.

X-ray source for materials analysis systems

An x-ray source includes an insulating tube having a cylindrical inside surface defining a cylindrical vacuum cavity, a cathode located near a first end of the insulating tube and adapted to be optically heated for emitting electrons, an anode adapted for a voltage bias with respect to the cathode for accelerating electrons emitted from the cathode, an x-ray emitter target located near a second end of the insulating tube for impact by accelerated electrons, and a secondary emission reduction layer covering at least a portion of the inside surface and adapted to minimize charge build-up on the inside surface, wherein the insulating tube is adapted to be weakly conductive to support a uniform voltage gradient along the insulating tube and across the voltage bias between the cathode and the anode.

Miniature x-ray source with improved output stability and voltage standoff

A therapeutic radiation source includes an in situ radiation detecting system for monitoring in real time an amount of the therapeutic radiation that has been generated. An electron source generates electrons in response to light that is transmitted through a fiber optic cable and impinges upon the electron source. The electrons are accelerated toward the target and strike the target, causing the target to emit therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays. A scintillator is disposed along a path of a portion of the emitted therapeutic radiation, and generates scintillator light corresponding to the intensity of the therapeutic radiation that is incident upon the scintillator. A photodetector in optical communication with the scintillator produces a signal indicative of the intensity of the therapeutic radiation incident upon the scintillator.

Therapeutic radiation source with in situ radiation detecting system

A method is provided for treating a tumor by pre-irradiation. The location, size, and shape of the tumor is identified. A region that includes the tumor as well as a surrounding portion most likely to contain residual tumorous cells is identified. The identified region is irradiated with therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays, prior to surgical removal of the tumor. The tumor is removed after irradiation of the identified region, leaving only the pre-irradiated surrounding portion. The risk of recurrence of tumorous growth after resection of the tumor may be significantly reduced.

Method of treating a tumor by pre-irradiation

A controller is provided for selectively and independently control each of a plurality of therapeutic radiation sources arranged along an array. The controller is operable to selectively generate therapeutic radiation at selected time intervals and at selected intensities. The controller includes intensity control circuitry for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller also includes duration control circuitry for controlling the duration of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller may also include a mechanical introducer for inserting the array into a treatment region, and for withdrawing the array from the treatment region.

Controller for array of miniature radiation sources

A minaturized tharapeutic radiation source includes a optically driven thermionic cathode having an electron-emissive surface, and a non-planar, x-ray emissive target. A fiber optic cable directs a beam of optical radiation, having a power level sufficient to heat at least a portion of the electron-emissive surface to an electron emitting temperature, from a laser source onto the cathode. An electron beam emitted from said cathode strikes the target, positioned in the electron beam path. The target includes a thin film of x-ray emissive material, adapted to emit therapeutic radiation in response to incident accelerated electrons from the electron beam, and a support structure made of x-ray transmissive material. The target has a non-planar configuration, such as a conical shape or a hemispherical shape, designed to produce a more uniform and intense radiation pattern around the target.

Optically driven therapeutic radiation source including a non-planar target configuration

A miniaturized, optically driven, therapeutic radiation source is disclosed in which the voltage gradient between a high electron accelerating voltage and the ground potential can be controlled. The electron source and the target element are disposed within a capsule which defines a substantially evacuated region extending along an electron beam axis. The inner surface of the capsule is coated with a weakly conductive or semiconductive coating, so that a substantially uniform voltage gradient is maintained within the evacuated capsule. In this way, the chances of electric flashover or breakdown are reduced. Also, secondary emissions of electrons striking the inner wall of the capsule are reduced. X-ray production efficiency is optimized by maximizing the percentage of electrons propagated directly to the target.

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Sudbury, MA, United States of America

Mark T Dinsmore