Patent ID: 7497620
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: G01N,H01J

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a radiographic inspection system, comprising the steps of: providing an X-ray source including an electron gun, a fixed anode of a dense material, and deflection coils for directing an electron beam generated by said electron gun in only a first direction, wherein said deflection coils are positioned within a housing and proximate the electron beam; providing a detector to receive radiation emitted from said X-ray source, said detector operable to produce an electrical output in response to radiation flux thereupon; providing detector coordination means for linearly translating said detector; during a first time interval, directing said electron beam to a first focal spot on said anode so as to generate a first X-ray beam which strikes said detector; during a second time interval, using said deflection coils to direct said electron beam to a second focal spot on said anode, spaced-away from said first focal spot, so as to generate a second X-ray beam which strikes said detector, wherein said second focal spot is positioned at a distance from the first focal spot to allow cooling of the first focal spot; and translating said electrical output produced by said detector in coordination with the position of said electron beam, wherein said detector coordination means linearly translate said detector a distance proportional to the distance between said first focal spot and said second focal spot, and wherein said first X-ray beam and said second X-ray beam travel undeflected towards the detector.