Liquid metal gaskets for use in vacuum tubes are provided. Such liquid metal
gaskets are ideal for use in x-ray tubes in x-ray imaging systems. These liquid
metal gaskets comprise an internal plug incorporating a liquid metal filling, a
first seal connected to a first end of the internal plug so as to isolate a bearing
assembly from a vacuum vessel portion of the vacuum tube, and a second seal connected
to a second end of the internal plug so as to prevent particles and vapors in a
cavity of the bearing assembly from migrating into a vacuum area of the x-ray tube.
The liquid metal gaskets incorporate any suitable liquid metal, such as mercury,
gallium, or a gallium alloy. The liquid metal gaskets allow any suitable type of
bearing assembly lubricant to be used, such as oils, powders, liquids, solids,
wetting metals, and the like.
