Principles Of X-Ray Production Flashcards
What is an x-ray?
Created when atoms are excited and emit packets of energy called photons
Produced due to sudden deceleration of fast-moving electrons when they collide and interact with the target anode
When is an energetic photon created?
When an electron slows down or stops during an interaction with an atom outside the nucleus
Who discovered the x-ray?
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov 8 1895
Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation
Method of transporting energy through space
Moves in a straight path
Acts like a wave for travel and a particle for interactions with matter
Wavelength
(l): shorter the wavelength, more energy and more penetrating
Frequency
Number of occurrences of a relating event per unit of time
Wavelength v. Frequency
Inversely proportional
Longer wavelength= low frequency
Shorter wavelength = high frequency
Energy of the photon is referred to as…
Kilo electron volts ~ keV
Non-ionizing EM radiation
Radio waves
Microwaves
TV
Visible light
Infrared light
UV radiation (sunlight)
Ionizing EM radiation
Able to remove orbital electron
X-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays
Radiograph
Visual image preserved on film
mAs Factor
Milliamps x seconds (measurement)
How long electricity heats up the filament
Determine how many electrons are in the stream and how many produced at target
Controls quantity
Filament
Tungsten wire that releases electrons when heated
Cathode has depression (focusing cup) directs or concentrates the electrons to focal spot on anode
Kilovoltage peak/ potential (kVp)
Controlling quality
Higher kVp —> stronger attraction of e- —> harder e- hit the target —> higher energy x-rays (better penetration)
Deceleration process
More than 99% of electron energy is converted into heat
Less than 1% of energy converted to x-rays
