Components for X-ray Tubes
Key UHV components
for high-energy X-ray tubes
AVELION manufactures a full range of high-precision components for X-ray tubes, from beryllium window center frames and UHV insulators to cathode assemblies and structural base plates, all designed and produced in-house for high-voltage and ultra-high vacuum environments.
Beryllium Window Steel or Copper Center Frame
- Holds the key components of the tube
- Allows the X-rays to exit through an “X-ray transparent” window such as Beryllium or Titanium
- UHV design
- Precision cleaning for use in UHV and High-Voltage applications
- Most of center frames have a specific coating or surface treatment to increase surface emissivity
The center frame is a key structural of the X-ray tube, manufactured in stainless steel or copper depending on thermal and mechanical requirements. It supports and positions the critical internal elements while providing a sealed interface for the x-ray exit window.
The X-ray transparent window, typically made of beryllium or titanium, allows X-rays to exit the tube with minimal attenuation while preserving ultra-high vacuum conditions. The complete assembly is designed for UHV operation and is compatible with high-voltage environments.
Precision cleaning process are applied to all parts to meet cleanliness requirements for UHV and high-voltage use. To further enhance thermal performance, most center frames incorporate specific surface treatments or coatings that increase surface emissivity and improve heat dissipation.
Beryllium Window Sub-Assemblies
- X-ray transparent beryllium window
- Beryllium-to-metal brazed sub-assembly concept
- Designed for welding onto X-ray tube envelopes
- UHV-compatible design and manufacturing
- Precision cleaning for UHV and high-voltage environments
Beryllium window sub-assemblies are critical components of X-ray tubes, allowing X-rays to exit the tube while maintaining vacuum integrity. The window consists of a thin beryllium disk, selected for its excellent X-ray transparency, brazed onto a stainless-steel collar.
This brazed sub-assembly provides a reliable and leak-tight interface between the beryllium window and the metallic tube envelope. The collar geometry and material are optimized for welding onto the X-ray tube, ensuring mechanical robustness and long-term vacuum stability.
Thanks to their low attenuation and high manufacturing quality, these window assemblies are particularly well suited for medical imaging applications such as mammography, where image contrast and dose efficiency are essential. Manufactured under tightly controlled processes, these sub-assemblies meet stringent requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy, cleanliness, and reliability for use in UHV and high-voltage X-ray tube environments.
Cathode Arm / Filament Support
- Holds the tungsten filament that generates the electrons which are accelerated by an electromagnetic field to hit the conversion target
- Requires high precision cleaning to avoid particles and arcing
- Tight mechanical dimensions for filament positioning
The cathode arm and filament support are key functional elements of the electron emission system of the X-ray tubes. They hold and precisely position the tungsten filament, enabling controlled electron emission and acceleration toward the anode target.
Given their operation in Ultra-High vacuum and high-voltage environments, these components require extremely high cleanliness levels and precise mechanical dimensions. Precision manufacturing and cleaning are essential to avoid particle contamination, electrical arcing and performance degradation.
Cathode and Anode Insulator
- Insulation up to 300 kV
- UHV design
- Precision cleaning for use in UHV and High voltage applications
- Frequently brazed onto a stainless steel or kovar ring to allow welding on the centerframe
Cathode and anode insulators are critical components of the X-Ray tube, providing electrical isolation between High-Voltage elements while maintaining ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Designed to operate at voltages up to 300 kV, they combine high dielectric strength with mechanical reliability.
To enable integration onto the center frame, the ceramic insulators are commonly brazed onto stainless steel or Kovar rings, allowing subsequent welding operations while preserving vacuum tightness. All parts are subjected to precision cleaning suitable for uHV and high-voltage applications, ensuring stable and reliable operation.
Cathode Base Plate and Anode
- Structural support for the X-ray tube
- Interface for welding of the tube envelope
- Compatible with anode or cathode configurations
- High-voltage and UHV-compatible design
- Thermal and mechanical robustness
- Precision manufacturing and cleaning
The anode or cathode base plate is a key structural component of the X-ray tube, serving as the mechanical foundation on which the tube envelope is assembled and welded. It ensures accurate positioning of the envelope and internal elements while providing a robust and vacuum-tight interface.
Designed for use in ultra-high vacuum and high-voltage environments, the base plate combines mechanical strength with controlled surface quality and low outgassing characteristics. Its design allows it to function either as an anode or cathode interface, depending on the tube configuration.
Precision manufacturing and dedicated cleaning processes ensure dimensional accuracy, cleanliness, and long-term reliability, making the base plate a critical element for the performance and durability of X-ray tubes in medical and industrial applications.
