Patent ID: 8363787

Claim:
An x-ray tube comprising: a cathode; and a target assembly positioned to receive electrons emitted from the cathode, the target assembly comprising: a target; and a spiral groove bearing (SGB) configured to support the target, the SGB comprising: a rotatable component having a first surface and a first material attached to the first surface; a stationary component having a second surface and a second material attached to the second surface, the stationary component positioned such that a gap is formed between the first material and the second material; a liquid metal positioned in the gap; and spiral grooves in at least one of the first and second materials, wherein the grooves are not in the one of the rotatable component and the stationary component to which the first and second materials are attached; wherein at least one of the first and second materials comprises tantalum, and wherein a thickness of one of the first and second materials is 1 mm or greater.