Patent ID: 7440549
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A rotating anode for an x-ray generator, the anode comprising: a first portion that includes a target region that emits x-ray radiation in response to an electron beam incident thereupon; a second portion positioned so that relative rotation occurs between the first and second portions; a fluid path formed by the first and second portions through which path flows a cooling liquid in contact with both the first and second portions such that the relative rotation between the first and second portions causes turbulence in the cooling liquid; a sealed chamber within the first portion that is in thermal communication with the target region and with the fluid path between the first and second portions; and a heat pipe coolant that resides within the sealed chamber and that evaporates in response to heat absorbed from the target region and condenses in response to heat lost to the fluid path.