X-Ray Production and Properties

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and important information related to X-ray production and properties.

X-Rays

A form of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible, has no mass, and can penetrate opaque substances.

Wilhelm Roentgen

The German physicist who discovered X-rays in 1895 while studying cathode rays.

Cathode

The negative electrode in an x-ray tube that emits electrons when heated.

Anode

The positive electrode in an x-ray tube that receives the accelerated electrons and generates X-rays.

Bremsstrahlung

A type of X-ray generation that occurs when an electron is decelerated in the electric field of an atomic nucleus, resulting in photon emission.

Characteristics X-ray

X-rays that are produced when an electron from a higher energy shell fills a vacancy in a lower energy shell, emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference in binding energies.

Heel Effect

The variation in intensity of the x-ray beam from cathode to anode due to differing amounts of attenuation, which can lead to uneven exposure in imaging.

Filtration

The process of removing low-energy photons from the x-ray beam to increase the average energy and penetrating ability of the x-rays.

Thermionic Emission

The release of electrons from a heated filament when a high voltage is applied between the cathode and anode.

Line Focus Principle

A technique used in x-ray tubes to achieve a small focal spot while maintaining a larger target area, improving heat dissipation and image resolution.