New Technologies for Mammographic X-Ray Tubes

Earliest possible detection of breast carcinoma requires exceptional spatial resolution and contraswhich are of prime importance for the visualization of fine detail on mammographic images, particuladigitally. Image quality depends greatly on the following technical improvements: minimized off-focuexposure time, smaller, crisper and variable focal spots, and optimized X-ray spectrum. Current X-raclose to its limits. A more radical change in tube design is proposed here to improve image qualityadapting advanced technologies found in other fields to X-ray tube design: (a) metal-ceramic oil-freadvanced rotor dynamics allowing ultra fast rotation, (c) advanced cathode technology based on novelcomputer synthesized gun technology, (d) multi-element target together with electron beam deflectionstep approach is proposed: (1) Develop super compact metal- ceramic, oil-free X-ray tube with convenPURPOSE: field compatible tube with negligible off-focus X-rays (part of Phase I efforts); (2) Exteninclude new cathode technology and higher power levels. PURPOSE: superior focal spots, exposure timeDevelop ultra fast rotor. We will greatly increased power levels in conjunction with high density elminimize exposure time and focal spot size for better resolution.x