X-Ray Tube & Beam Fundamentals of Diagnostic Imaging

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the fundamentals of x-ray tubes and diagnostic imaging.

X-ray Photon Production

X-ray photons are created when a rapidly moving stream of electrons is suddenly decelerated or stopped.

Kilovoltage Peak (kVp)

A primary controlling factor in the production of an x-ray that affects the quality and energy of the x-ray beam.

Milliamperage (mA)

A measure of the number of electrons passing through the x-ray tube, affecting the quantity of x-rays produced.

Thermionic Emission

The process where heating the filament releases electrons from the cathode.

Bremsstrahlung Radiation

Form of radiation produced when an incident electron interacts with the nucleus of a target atom.

Characteristic Radiation

Radiation produced when an incident electron ejects an electron from the inner shell of a tungsten atom, resulting in a photon.

Filtration

The process of removing low energy photons from the x-ray beam to increase the quality and safety of the exposure.

Anode Heel Effect

The phenomenon where the intensity of the x-ray beam is greater on the cathode side and lower on the anode side due to target angle.

Line Focus Principle

Describes the relationship between the actual focal spot size on the anode and the effective focal spot size as seen in the beam.

Total Filtration

The sum of inherent and added filtration that must meet regulatory standards for x-ray tubes.