Patent ID: 7248672
Filing Date: 2007-07-24
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. An x-ray source comprising a cathode: an anode with an active area from which x-rays are emitted; a housing within which the anode is located, the housing having a plurality of output ports through which x-rays can exit, the ports being located along an outer perimeter of the housing at different angular positions relative to the anode; and a plurality of x-ray optics, each x-ray optic being connected to an outside of the housing adjacent to one of the output ports so as to condition x-rays exiting that port; a rotatable support to which the housing is mounted that allows rotation of the housing and rotation of the connected x-ray optics with the housing to a plurality of different angular orientations, each of which results in a different one of the ports facing a first predetermined direction.