Patent ID: 8831178

Claim:
An x-ray imaging system comprising: a detector positioned to receive x-rays; an x-ray tube configured to generate x-rays toward the detector from a focal spot surface, the x-ray tube comprising: a target having the focal spot surface; a cathode support arm; and a cathode attached to the cathode support arm, the cathode comprising: a split cathode cup having a first portion and a second portion that is separate from the first portion, the first portion having a first emitter attachment surface and the second portion having a second emitter attachment surface; and a flat emitter that is attached to the first emitter attachment surface and to the second emitter attachment surface such that, when an electrical current is provided to the first portion of the cathode cup, the current passes through the flat emitter and returns through the second portion of the cathode cup such that electrons emit from the flat emitter and toward the focal spot surface.