Patent ID: 7606349

Claim:
A system, comprising: a source of a first voltage and a second voltage, which is different than the first voltage; a radiation source, the radiation source comprising: a first cathode configured and arranged to generate a first electron beam; a first target configured and arranged to emit radiation when electrons in the first electron beam impact the first target after being accelerated by a voltage difference between the first cathode and the first target; at least one switch configured and arranged to apply either the first voltage or the second voltage between the first cathode and the first target; and a first conductor disposed between the first cathode and the first target so as to inhibit the first electron beam generated by the first cathode from reaching the first target when a first signal is applied to the first conductor; and a controller configured to control whether the at least one switch applies either the first voltage or the second voltage between the first cathode and the first target, and to control whether the first signal is applied to the first conductor so as to inhibit the first electron beam generated by the first cathode from reaching the first target.