Patent ID: 7162005

Claim:
An X-ray source comprising: a housing defining a chamber to accelerate electrons and an output of the chamber, the chamber having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the output is aligned with the first longitudinal axis to allow passage of accelerated electrons from the chamber; a tube defining a passage having a second longitudinal axis, the tube having a proximal end coupled to the output of the housing such that the second longitudinal axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis and accelerated electrons can enter the passage; a target material within the tube, wherein impact of the target material by accelerated electrons causes generation of X-ray radiation; and non-rotatable shielding material around at least a portion of the tube around the target, the shielding material defining a slot therethrough to allow passage of generated radiation during operation; wherein the slot is centered about an axis transverse to the first and second longitudinal axes.