5. X-ray Machine and Tube Flashcards
3 MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM
- X-ray tube
- Operating console
- High voltage generator
a vacuum tube containing electrode that accelerate electrons and direct them to a metal anode, where their impacts produce x-rays
X-ray Tube
EXTERNAL COMPONENTS
- Support structure
- Protective housing
- Glass or metal enclosure
consists of two perpendicular sets of ceiling-mounted rails
Ceiling Support System
has a single column with rollers at each end
Floor to Ceiling Support System
the image receptor is attach to the end of the C-arm from the x-ray tube
C-arm Support System
guards against excessive radiation exposure and electrical shock
Protective Housing
is made up of pyrex to withstand the tremendous heat generated
Glass or Metal Envelope
is the area of the glass or metal enclosure approximately 5 cm2, that is thin and through which the useful beam of x-rays is emitted
X-ray Tube Window
X-rays emitted through the window is called the
useful beam
X-rays that escaped through the tube housing are called
leakage radiation
Leakage radiation should not exceed ______ when operated at maximum condition
100 mR/hr at 1 m
INTERNAL COMPONENTS
- Cathode
* Anode
is the negative side of the x-ray tube and had two primary parts: a filament and a focusing cup
Cathode
usually approximately 2mm in diameter and 1 or 2 cm long
Filament
when the current through the filament is sufficiently high, the outer-shell electrons of the filament atoms are “boiled off” and ejected from the filament
Thermionic Emission
Filaments are usually made of
thoriated tungsten
Filaments are usually made of thoriated tungsten because
- Tungsten have high melting point (3410 C)
- Does not vaporize easily
- Addition of 1% to 2% thorium to tungsten increases the efficiency of thermionic emission
where the filaments are embedded
Focusing Cup
is used when better spatial resolution is required. Ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm
small focal spot
is used when large body parts are imaged and when other techniques that produce high are required
large focal spot
is the positive side of the x-ray tube
Anode
it conducts electricity and radiates heat and contains the target
Anode
FUNCTIONS OF ANODE ASSEMBLY
- Electrical conductor
- Mechanical support
- Thermal dissipator
area of the anode struck by the electrons from the cathode
Target
TYPES OF ANODE
- Stationary anode
* Rotating anode
are used in dental x-ray imaging systems, some portable imaging systems, and other-purpose units in which high tube current and power are not required
Stationary Anode