X-ray apparatus including a filter provided with filter elements having an adjustable absorption

Abstract

An X-ray apparatus with an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the beam, and an X-ray filter with filter elements. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to attenuate the X-ray beam in each independent filter element individually. Each filter element can receive a liquid which is electrically conductive and X-ray absorbing, and is supplied via a transport channel, the X-ray absorptivity of each filter element being discretely adjustable by step-wise adjustment of the level of the liquid in each filter element. Each filter element includes a first electrode which is located in the wall of the filter element, on top of a substrate layer for applying an electric potential to the wall of the filter element. A second electric potential is applied to the liquid via a second electrode. Th first electrode is segmented in the longitudinal direction z of the filter element in order to achieve reproducible, step-wise filling of the filter element with the X-ray absorption liquid.