FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to controlling heat transfer in an x-ray tube cathode assembly via inclusion of porous internal sections.

BACKGROUND

In an x-ray tube, ionizing radiation is created by accelerating electrons in a vacuum from a cathode to an anode via an electric field. Typically, an emitter is heated by a current flowing through it, to create a plurality of electrons which may be formed as an electron beam that is accelerated towards the anode. In addition, a plurality of electrodes at different voltages may be used to focus the electron beam towards the anode, and to influence the size and position of the x-ray focal spot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an x-ray tube comprises an anode assembly and a cathode assembly, wherein the cathode assembly includes one or more elements that include an internal porous section for controlling a flow of heat within the cathode assembly during operation of the x-ray tube. In this way heat conduction to temperature-sensitive aspects of the cathode assembly may be reduced, while enabling sufficient heat transfer to other parts of the cathode assembly to minimize deformation.

It should be understood that the brief description above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

