A structure to generate x-rays has a plurality of stationary and
individually electrically addressable field emissive electron sources with
a substrate composed of a field emissive material, such as carbon
nanotubes. Electrically switching the field emissive electron sources at a
predetermined frequency field emits electrons in a programmable sequence
toward an incidence point on a target. The generated x-rays correspond in
frequency and in position to that of the field emissive electron source.
The large-area target and array or matrix of emitters can image objects
from different positions and/or angles without moving the object or the
structure and can produce a three dimensional image. The x-ray system is
suitable for a variety of applications including industrial
inspection/quality control, analytical instrumentation, security systems
such as airport security inspection systems, and medical imaging, such as
computed tomography.
