Patent ID: 7809114

Claim:
A multiple spot x-ray generator comprising: a plurality of electron generators arranged to form an electron generator matrix, the electron generator matrix including activation connections electrically connected to the plurality of electron generators and wherein each electron generator is connected to a pair of the activation connections to receive an electric potential therefrom; a target anode configured to produce an array of x-ray focal spots providing tomographic imaging of an object when impinged by a plurality of electron beams generated by the plurality of electron generators, wherein the target anode is positioned such that the electron beams strike the target anode with an angle of incidence between 10 to 90 degrees; an anode shield positioned about the target anode to capture backbombarding ions output from the target anode; and wherein each electron generator further comprises: an emitter element configured to emit an electron beam; a meshed grid disposed adjacent each emitter element to enhance an electric field at a surface of the emitter element; and a focusing element positioned to receive the electron beam from the emitter element and focus the electron beam to form a focal spot on the target anode.