X-ray tube with bonded target and bearing sleeve

[0015] As noted above, heat conduction between the various components of the X-ray tube can be important to allow continued use of the X-ray tube and the utilization of high power (ie, high X-ray flux) imaging sequences. An example of an imaging sequence that would benefit from high X-ray flux is a computed tomography (CT) imaging sequence in which a source of X-ray radiation (i.e., a source including an X-ray tube) surrounds a patient or subject of interest on a gantry. The examiner moves. Due to the movement of the x-ray tube around the patient, it is desirable to provide a flux of x-rays sufficient to generate imaging through the subject of interest and at low noise levels. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved heat conduction away from an X-ray target in an X-ray tube.

[0016] For some x-ray targets, there may be several design considerations including heat conduction, retention of the target limiting target movement, and maintenance of bearing tolerances....