Patent ID: 8750458
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of producing x-rays in an x-ray tube, the method comprising: a) providing a voltage differential between a first electron emitter and an anode, both within the x-ray tube, of at least 1 kilovolt; b) providing an electrically conductive second electron emitter with a voltage that is between a voltage of the first electron emitter and a voltage of the anode; c) providing a voltage differential between the first electron emitter and the second electron emitter that is greater than a work function of the second electron emitter; d) emitting electrons from the first electron emitter and propelling the electrons from the first electron emitter to impinge upon the second electron emitter; e) multiplying a total number of electrons by emitting at least 10 electrons from the second electron emitter for every electron impinging upon the second electron emitter; f) propelling the electrons from the second electron emitter towards the anode and impinging upon the anode; and g) emitting x-rays from the anode as a result of the electrons which impinged upon the anode.