The Production Of Xrays Flashcards
The two types of transformer in the tube head are…?
1- step-up transformer
2- step-down transformer
What is the tube head composed made of and what is included in that (3 things)
Glass which has 1. Filament 2. Copper block 3. Target
What is the function of the step-up transformer
Steps up the mains voltage (240v) to the high voltage (kV) required across the X-ray tube
Step-down transformer function…
Step-down the mains voltage (240v) to the low voltage current (mA) required to heat the filament
The 5 main components of the X-ray tube
1- the tube head 2- the positioning arm 3- the control panel 4- circuitry 5- the collimator (part of the tube head)
What is the function of the lead shield?
To minimise radiation leakage (may have an unleaded window though)
What is the function of oil in the tube head?
To facilitate heat removal
What metal is in the filter that removes the harmful low energy x-rays?
Aluminium
What does the collimator do?
Restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam to a rectangle
Name a part of the collimator also known as a spacer cone?
BID - beam indicating device
What is the fsd?
Focus to skin distance
Above 60kV what is the ideal fsd?
200mm
Below 60kV what is the ideal fsd
100mm
1 quantum of energy = ?
1 photon
How many photons are in one x-ray beam?
Millions
You usually get (more/less) energy out than was put in
Less
1st step in the production of energy is…
Electricity on = vibration/excitation of electrons
What does electron excitation create?
A small current (8-10mA)
Where does the small current pass through and what happens?
Through the step-down transformer which alters the current
The altered current then …
Passes through the filament
How is the filament heated?
By the vibrating electrons
Name the type of filament in the x-Ray tube?
Tungsten
What does extreme excitation lead to?
The loss of electrons from the outer shell
What happens after electrons are lost from the outer shell?
The electron cloud of newly free electrons gather at the filament (giving it a -ve charge) making the filament a cathode
A large potential difference is between…
Th cathode (-ve) and anode (+ve)
What is the voltage change after passing though the step up transformer?
240v to 50-90kV