Section 2: Radiation Safety: x-ray production module

X-ray production lesson

steps of the x-ray production:

1. Electrons are produced in the cathode filament through a process called thermionic emission

2. Creating a cloud of electrons in the focusing cup which travels to the anode

3. The electrons accelerate by applying kVp, creating a strong negative charge in the filament that forces across the x-ray tube to the anode

4. The cloud slams with the tungsten target, decelerating the electrons they release the energy as heat and x-ray

5. x-rays emit through the window and out toward the pt

Thermionic Emission

the release of electrons in response to heat

What accelerates the electrons over to the anode?

kVp

What decelerates the electrons?

When they collide with the anode

What percentage is heat vs. x-ray photons at the anode?

99% - heat

1% - x-rays

Bremsstrahlung radiation

Braking
High speed electron passes near the nucleus of tungsten atom

Characteristic radiation

The incoming electron knocks out an inner-shell electron from the tungsten
Outer shell electron drops down to fill the vacancy then releases and x-ray

Do Brems and characteristic radiation happen at the tube or at the pt?

at the tube

Do Brems and characteristic radiation start with an electron or a photon?

Start with a high speed electron

Do Brems and characteristic radiation start with a line or a wave?

Start with line then end with wave