Can anyone explain how x-ray been produced

In summary: This is how x-rays are generated in medical applications (outside of synchrotron facilities), and is also how they are generated in many consumer applications such as airport security and dental x-rays.
  • #1
expscv
241
0
can anyone explain howz x-ray been produced.

thank you
 
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  • #2
Photoelectric emission occurs when e.m radiation of a certain frequency falls on a metal, each photon gives a single electron energy which causes it to be ejected from the surface of the metal. Now think what happens when the reverse occurs?

Electrons, using a high voltage are slammed into a piece of metal and x-rays are produced. The incoming electrons can knock an electron out of the K-shell (lowest energy level in an atom) and then an electron can fall from a higher energy level into the lower one with the release of energy which is seen as x-rays.
 
  • #4
Just for completeness sake, I would like to point out that this isn't the only means of producing X-rays. In fact, the "inverse photoemission" process is quite inefficient in generating X-rays and most users now are moving towards other methods.

One of the most widely-used technique is that obtained from synchrotrons. Using insertion devices such as a wiggler or an undulator, a beam of high energy electrons are made to "oscillate" as it passes through such a device. The x-rays generated by this technique is not only intense, but one can also, in principle, dial in the exact wavelength required. It can also be highly polarized of needed. At most synchrotron centers throughout the world, x-rays are the major "product". Its wide use ranges from material science studies to biomedical imaging.

One can also generate x-rays using linear accelerators. This is getting to be more common in medical applications because it produces very little, if any, radioactive waste to be disposed of, and produces a more intense beam. Varian Medical systems have been producing a lot of these for various hospitals. There's a good chance that a large hospital near you is using such a technique to generate x-rays for both diagnostics and treatment.

Zz.
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
One can also generate x-rays using linear accelerators. This is getting to be more common in medical applications because it produces very little, if any, radioactive waste to be disposed of, and produces a more intense beam. Varian Medical systems have been producing a lot of these for various hospitals. There's a good chance that a large hospital near you is using such a technique to generate x-rays for both diagnostics and treatment.

Zz.

That last bit isn't entirely accurate. You don't generate x-rays with a linear accelerator, you accelerate them. The principle for x-ray generation remains the same; electrons hitting a target and undergoing bremsstrahlung (sp?). Linacs are in use all over the world, and have been for some time.

Also, linacs are only used for treatment; a normal x-ray tube suffices for diagnostic x-rays.

Jonathan
 
  • #6
jono said:
That last bit isn't entirely accurate. You don't generate x-rays with a linear accelerator, you accelerate them. The principle for x-ray generation remains the same; electrons hitting a target and undergoing bremsstrahlung (sp?). Linacs are in use all over the world, and have been for some time.

Also, linacs are only used for treatment; a normal x-ray tube suffices for diagnostic x-rays.

Jonathan

You're correct in the sense that I didn't explain myself on how linacs generate x-rays. In medical linacs, x-rays are generated either via similar insertion devices as used in synchrotron beamlines, or via bending magnets at the end of the linac, or, as you've said, via direct collision with a target. The linac by itself doesn't produce any x-rays.

Examples of such devices can be found at the Varian homepage

http://www.varian.com/orad/prd151.html

Zz.
 
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  • #7
jono said:
That last bit isn't entirely accurate. You don't generate x-rays with a linear accelerator, you accelerate them.

How do you accelerate X-rays ?
 
  • #8
Gokul43201 said:
How do you accelerate X-rays ?

In short, with a combination of something known as a "waveguide" and resonant microwaves supplied by a syncrhotron.
 

1. How are x-rays produced?

X-rays are produced by accelerating electrons to high speeds and then colliding them with a target material. This collision causes the electrons to release energy in the form of x-rays.

2. What is the source of electrons used to produce x-rays?

The source of electrons can vary depending on the type of x-ray production. In medical x-ray machines, the electrons are produced by heating a filament in a vacuum tube. In industrial x-ray machines, the electrons are produced by using an electron gun.

3. How does the energy of the electrons affect the x-rays produced?

The energy of the electrons directly affects the energy and wavelength of the x-rays produced. Higher energy electrons will produce x-rays with shorter wavelengths, while lower energy electrons will produce x-rays with longer wavelengths.

4. What is the role of the target material in x-ray production?

The target material is a crucial component in x-ray production as it is the material that the accelerated electrons collide with. Different target materials can produce x-rays with different energy levels and wavelengths, allowing for a range of x-ray imaging applications.

5. Are x-rays harmful?

X-rays can be harmful if exposed to high levels of radiation for prolonged periods. However, the amount of radiation emitted by x-rays in medical settings is closely monitored and kept at safe levels. Proper shielding and precautions are also taken to protect individuals from unnecessary exposure to x-rays.

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