Production of X-Rays

The production of X Rays involves the bombardment of a thick target with energetic
electrons.

1- X-ray tube

The tube must have :

 Source of electrons
 High accelerating voltage
 Metal target (anode)

A high potential is maintained between the filament and the anode, accelerating the
electrons into the anode and generating X-rays.
Topically 1% of energy is converted to x-rays, the rest is heat.

2- Interaction of electrons with the target:

 Breaking radiation

Occurs when electron come in close proximity to a large electric field caused by the positive
charge on the target nucleus. Electron passes in the vicinity of a nucleus all or part of the
electron energy is dissociated from it and propagate in space as electromagnetic radiation.
 Characteristic radiation

 Electron-Electron interactions can result in the ejection of an inner shell e-, leaving a
vacancy in the electron orbit.
 An outer shell electron will drop down to fill the vacancy
 A photon with an energy equal the difference in the binding energy of the involved
electron is released.