XRAY TUBE AND XRAY PRODUCTION Flashcards
What type of enclosure is used in X-ray tubes?
Glass or metal enclosure
What type of device is an X-ray tube?
A special type of diode (anode and cathode)
What is the main function of an X-ray tube?
Converts electrical energy into electromagnetic energy
What are the three main external components of an X-ray tube?
Support structure, protective housing, and glass/metal enclosure
What is the most frequently used X-ray tube support system?
Ceiling-support system
What does the preferred detent position mean?
When the X-ray tube is centered above the examination table at the standard SID
What is the function of protective housing in X-ray tubes?
Insulates against electric shock, dissipates heat, and supports the tube mechanically
What is isotropic emission in X-ray tubes?
Emission with equal intensity in all directions
What is leakage radiation?
X-rays that escape through protective housing
What is the primary material used for the glass enclosure in X-ray tubes?
Pyrex glass
What are the advantages of metal enclosures in X-ray tubes?
Longer tube life and constant electric potential
What are the two primary parts of the cathode in an X-ray tube?
Filament and focusing cup
What material is the filament in an X-ray tube made of?
Thoriated tungsten
What is the role of the focusing cup in an X-ray tube?
Surrounds the filament and controls electron flow
What is space charge in the context of X-ray tubes?
A cloud of electrons emitted by the filament
What is the space charge effect?
Difficulty emitting subsequent electrons due to electrostatic repulsion
What is the saturation current in an X-ray tube?
The maximum filament current when all electrons are used
What is the focal spot in an X-ray tube?
The region of the anode target where electrons produce X-rays
What are the sizes of focal spots typically used?
Small (0.1-1 mm) and large (0.3-2 mm)
What material is commonly used for the anode in X-ray tubes?
tungsten
What are the three primary functions of the anode?
Conducts electricity, dissipates heat, and provides mechanical support
What is the main cause of tube failure in X-ray systems?
Tungsten vaporization and arcing
A design to allow a large area for heating while maintaining a small focal spot
line focus principle
What is the anode heel effect?
Greater radiation intensity on the cathode side compared to the anode side
X-rays produced outside the focal spot
off-focus radiation
What are the three ways heat is dissipated in an X-ray tube?
Radiation, conduction, and convection
What causes damage to the rotor assembly in X-ray tubes?
Excessive heat during long exposure times
What is the unit for heat energy in X-ray applications?
Heat units (HU)
What is the formula for heat units in a single-phase system?
HU = kVp × mA × s
What is the formula for heat units in a high-frequency system?
HU = 1.45 × kVp × mA × s
What is the difference between characteristic and bremsstrahlung X-rays?
Characteristic X-rays are discrete, while bremsstrahlung X-rays have a continuous spectrum
What is the efficiency of X-ray production dependent on?
Tube voltage (kVp)
What happens when target material atomic number increases?
Efficiency and energy of X-rays increase
Reduces low-energy X-rays, increasing the average energy of the beam
added filtration
What does a radiographic rating chart indicate?
Safe and unsafe radiographic techniques
X-rays produced when electrons are slowed by the target nucleus
bremsstrahlung radiation
X-rays produced when an outer electron fills an inner-shell void
characteristic radiation
Electrons traveling from the cathode to the anode
projectile electron
What is the main purpose of a rotating anode?
Provides a larger target area and dissipates heat more effectively
What materials are used in mammographic targets?
Molybdenum (Z=42) and Rhodium (Z=45)
What is the typical rotation speed of a rotating anode?
3,600 to 10,000 rpm
Connects the anode to the rotor while minimizing heat conduction
anode stem
What is the material used for the anode stem?
Molybdenum
What are the two principal parts of an electromagnetic induction motor in an X-ray tube?
Stator and rotor