Patent ID: 7639785
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: G21K,H01J

Abstract:
1. An x-ray beam device comprising: an electron gun adapted to generate an electron beam; a linear drift tube comprising an input end, an output end, and an evacuated region, wherein the input end is operatively coupled to the electron gun, and the evacuated region is adapted to receive the electron beam from the electron gun; a target situated along a length of the drift tube and extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the electron beam, wherein the target is adapted to emit x-rays when struck by the electron beam; at least one bending magnet assembly situated adjacent to the drift tube wherein the at least one bending magnet assembly is adapted to selectively produce a magnetic field extending through the drift tube in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the electron beam to cause the electron beam to selectively bend and strike the target; a collector operatively coupled to the output end of the drift tube and adapted to collect the electron beam when the at least one bending magnet assembly does not cause the electron beam to bend and strike the target, wherein the collector is electrically isolated and operated at a depressed potential with respect to the target to recover enemy from the electron beam; and a controller adapted to control the at least one bending magnet assembly to cause the magnetic field extending through the drift tube to move along a length of the drift tube in at least one of a first direction from the electron gun to the collector and a second direction from the collector to the electron gun.