Patent ID: 7110500
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: H05G

Abstract:
1. A method of rapidly changing the energy of x-rays produced by a pulsed x-ray source so that successive x-ray pulses alternate between at least two different energy levels, wherein the pulsed x-ray source produces x-rays at a rate of from about 25 to about 1000 pulses per second and includes (a) an electron linear accelerator structure defining an electron flow path having an electron injection end, (b) an electron gun having an electron source and a control grid and a feedback resistor placed in series with the electron source, wherein the electron gun is located at the injection end of the electron accelerator structure, and (c) a microwave system that is connected to the electron linear accelerator structure and that includes a microwave power source and a pulse generator with a pulse-forming network, wherein the method comprises: selecting at least two different voltage levels; and between pulses generated by the pulsed x-ray source, alternating the voltage applied or delivered to the pulse-forming network of the pulse generator between the selected voltage levels; and