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Unit 1: Science Behind Radiological Equipment

20267m

Describe the construction and working of an X-ray tube with a neat diagram.

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X-ray Tube: Construction and Working

An X-ray tube is a vacuum diode that converts electrical energy into X-rays (about 99% becomes heat, about 1% X-rays).

SVGVector Architecture Diagram (SVG)
X-ray tube (schematic)Glass envelope (vacuum)CathodeFilament + focusing cupAnode (target)Electron beamX-ray beam (window)Low voltage filament supply (mA)High voltage kV between cathode and anode

Main parts

Part Function
Cathode (tungsten filament) Heated to about 2200 C, emits electrons (thermionic emission)
Focusing cup Negatively charged; focuses the electron beam on the focal spot
Anode (target) Tungsten or tungsten-rhenium on copper; electrons strike it
Rotating anode Spreads heat over a larger track, allows higher power
Glass/metal envelope Maintains high vacuum
Oil bath and housing Cooling, insulation, lead shielding with an exit window

Working

MermaidDiagram
Rendering diagram…
  • kVp controls the energy (penetration) and mA controls the number of electrons (quantity of X-rays).
  • Bremsstrahlung (braking) radiation: electrons decelerate near nuclei and give a continuous spectrum.
  • Characteristic radiation: an incoming electron ejects an inner (K) shell electron, and the vacancy is filled with emission of a fixed-energy photon.

Exam tip

Draw the cathode, anode, vacuum envelope and mention the two X-ray production mechanisms.

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