The X-ray tube Flashcards
What’s in the internal?
Cathode and Anode
What is external?
Support structure
Protective housing
Glass or metal enclosure
What are the conditions that make a xray production possible?
-source of electrons
-vacuum
-high voltage
-apporiat target material
what side is the cathode?
negative side
What are the cathode’s functions?
-produce a thermionic cloud
-Conduct high voltage between the cathode and anode
-Focus the electron stream towards the anode
What does the cathode assembly consist of?
Filament
Focusing cup
Associated wiring
What is filament?
Small coil of thoriated tungsten wire
-0.1 to 2.0 mm thick
-Could also be made of rhenium and Molybdenum
Most xrays tubes have..
dual focus arrangement (2 filaments)
What is the function of the filament?
-Provides sufficient resistance to the flow of electrons so that the heat produced will cause an thermionic cloud
What is the space charge effect?
As more electrons build up in the filament there negative charges begin to oppose the emission of more electrons
What is the focusing cup made of?
nickel
What does the focusing up do?
narrows the thermionic cloud
Its a shallow depression in the cathode assembly designed to house the filament?
Focusing cup
What does the grid biased tubes do?
(grid-pulsed or grid-controlled)
Focusing cup pulses between negative and positive charge to remove electrons from use (rapid)
What causes tube failure?
High voltage arcing which is short circuit in the tube (glass cracking)
Types of tube failure
Breaking of the filament
Rough handling the equipment (jarring)
Holding the rotor switch prior to exposure
Routinely delaying exposure can shorten tube life by
50-60%
What side is the anode?
Positive side
Anode functions?
-Target surface for electrons
-Conduct high voltage from the cathode back into the xray generator
-Thermal conductor
What is the anode assembly?
Anode (TARGET)
Stator
Rotor
What are the two types of anode
Stationary and Rotating
What does the rotating anode do?
Turn during the exposure
What is the common rotating anodes revolve at?
3,200-3,600 rpm
What is the high speed anodes revolve at?
10,000-12,000 rpm
What is the focal track made of?
tungsten rhenium alloy