Systems and methods for data acquisition in computed tomography (CT) applications are provided. The systems and methods are particularly adapted for scanning and acquiring/processing data in connection with high-power cone-beam CT applications. The electron beam is moved/scanned along the anode surface to multiple focal positions. Data acquisition for a full projection at one focus position and one view angle is achieved by activating each focus position multiple times during the data acquisition for one angle of the gantry. The detector array and associated data processing system are adapted to rapidly switch between the different focus positions during the acquisitions for one view angle and to collect all data belonging to the same projection into the same data set. Adaptive electron optics are utilized to move/scan the electron beam along the anode surface to the various focus positions. Alternatively, a plurality of cathodes may be provided for respective focus positions and the system may support fast switching therebetween to achieve desirably short spot times. The disclosed CT system permits greater power densities without risk of heat damage to the anode and effectively increases the track velocity of the electron beam on the anode surface. The CT system and associated data acquisition methods have particular utility in CT applications requiring increased time resolution and/or spatial resolution, e.g., cardiac CT applications.
