3.3 - X-ray Interaction with Matter Flashcards
What do we need to produce radiographic images?
we need a source of x-rays which are directed at pt and then when X-Ray reaches pt there is interaction (If none we dont get an image) - must be variable interaction with diff tissues.
Where do x-ray photons pass from and to?
tube and some go through the pt to reach the image receptor
What can happen to x-ray photons transversing tissue? 4
• Pass through unaltered – NO ENERGY LOSS
• Change direction with no energy loss – SCATTER
o The photon comes out, exposes the image receptor but does not create a useful image
• Change direction losing energy – SCATTER AND ABSORPTION
o This gives a radiation dose to the patient
• Be stopped depositing all energy within the tissue – ABSORPTION
o All energy transferred to the material and x-ray doesn’t come out other end
What is attenuation?
reduction in the number of photons (x-rays) within the beam
Why does attenuation occur?
- It occurs as a result of absorption and scatter
What affect the number of photons reaching the image receptor?
attenuation
What colour if all photons reach the film?
black as no material to interact with
What colour if there is partial attenuation?
Grey
What colour if there is complete attenuation?
white
What is atom composed of?
Nucleus - protons and neutrons (+ and 0) both with Amu of 1
orbiting electrons in shells which have charge of -1 and mass of 0
What is the atomic number?
No of protons an atom has (Z)
What is the atomic mass?
No of protons and neutrons (A)
Where are electrons kept?
In electron shells
k - 2 l - 8 m - 18 n - 32 o
2 nsquared
What holds electrons in place?
Electrostatic force (attraction of the positive nucleus)
What is binding energy?
binding energy is the smallest amount of energy required to remove a particle from a system of particles
What electrons have highest binding energy?
Those closest to the nucleus
What are he types of x-ray and electron interactions that occur inside the tube?
Continus spectrum
characteristic spectrum
What are the general aims for continuous and characteristic spectrum target interactions?
we want electron to interact with atom at target and then this will lead to production of x-ray photons
What Is the continuous spectrum target interaction?
This is where incoming electrons from the filament pass close to the target nucleus and are slowed down and deflected as the negative electrons get drawn into positive nucleus resulting in loss of kinetic energy which is transferred into photons which are released from the X-ray tube
What does continuous spectrum target interaction produce?
Lots of photons with low energy however These are useless we need high energy
What is the characteristic spectrum target interaction?
This is where incoming electrons calling with the inner shell electron and either displace it to another shell or remove it entirely. This results in an unstable atom so electrons reshuffle by filling the space and as this happens energy is released in specific values as they go from one shell to the next and there is a release of energy
What are the interactions that occur in patients tissues?
Photoelectric effect
Compton effect