A GUIDE TO X-RAYS

Introduction

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of ultraviolet light and longer than gamma rays. They were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who named them “X-rays” because their nature was then unknown.

X-rays are produced when high-energy electrons collide with a metal target in a vacuum tube. The electrons are accelerated by a high voltage and then directed towards the target, which is usually made of tungsten or another heavy metal. When the electrons hit the target, they lose energy and release X-ray photons.

X-rays have a variety of uses in medicine, including imaging bones and internal organs, detecting cancer, and guiding medical procedures. They can also be used for non-medical purposes such as airport security screening and industrial inspection. However, exposure to high levels of X-rays can be harmful and can cause cell damage and radiation sickness. Therefore, precautions such as wearing lead aprons and limiting exposure time are taken to minimize the risks associated with X-ray exposure.

 

Production of X-rays and structure of X-ray tube

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that have high energy and short wavelengths. They are produced when high-speed electrons collide with a metal target in a vacuum tube called an X-ray tube.

The X-ray tube consists of a cathode and an anode, which are housed in a vacuum chamber. The cathode is a heated filament that emits electrons when heated, while the anode is a metal target that is bombarded by the high-speed electrons.

When the electrons from the cathode strike the anode, they produce X-rays through two mechanisms: bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation.

Bremsstrahlung is the process by which electrons are decelerated when they pass close to the positively charged atomic nuclei in the metal target. This deceleration causes the electrons to emit energy in the form of X-rays.

Characteristic radiation occurs when the electrons from the cathode knock out inner-shell electrons from the metal atoms in the anode. When outer-shell electrons fill the resulting vacancies, they emit energy in the form of X-rays.

The X-ray tube is designed to focus the X-rays produced at the anode towards the patient, while also minimizing the amount of X-rays that scatter in other directions. This is achieved by using a collimator, which is a device that restricts the size of the X-ray beam.

The structure of an X-ray tube consists of the following components:

1. Cathode: A heated filament that emits electrons when heated.
2. Anode: A metal target that is bombarded by high-speed electrons, producing X-rays.
3. Vacuum chamber: A sealed chamber that contains the cathode and anode and prevents air molecules from interfering with the production of X-rays.
4. Collimator: A device that restricts the size of the X-ray beam.
5. Glass envelope: A protective housing that encloses the cathode and anode and allows X-rays to pass through.

Overall, the X-ray tube is a vital component in the production of X-rays for medical and industrial imaging.