Patent ID: 8184774
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: G01J,H01J,H05G

Abstract:
1. A method of determining temperature of a focal spot on a rotatable anode of an x-ray tube, comprising: measuring intensities of light at two or more wavelengths emitted from the focal spot on the rotatable anode when an electron beam emitter of the x-ray tube is in operation, wherein measuring includes (i) receiving electromagnetic radiation emitted from the focal spot at a first end of a hollow tube and transmitting the received electromagnetic radiation through a second end of the hollow tube, (ii) detecting the electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the second end of the hollow tube via a sensor element that includes at least two sensors, and (iii) allowing passage of the electromagnetic radiation via a window positioned to establish a line of sight between the focal spot and the sensor element through the second end of the hollow tube, while preventing x-rays from striking the sensor element; and determining the temperature of the focal spot on the rotatable anode based on the measured intensities of light.