Abstract

The electron-impact x-ray tube has reached its technological limit, and after many years of improvements it is clear that some of the inherent deficiencies of this x-ray source for radiology cannot be overcome. These deficiencies are the heat-dissipation problem which limits the density of the power that can be delivered by the electron beam, and the related problem of the limit on the minimum focal spot size. The relatively large focal spot size prevents effective work in a high magnification regime and limits the ability to image morphology of the coronary artries, after intravenous injection of the iodine contrast agent, with a spacial resolution of 0.5mm^-1.

© 1997 Optical Society of America