X-Ray Production and

machines
Dr.Talaat Salah
 In this session we will discuss how x-rays
are produced

 We will also discuss some of the

characteristics of low energy x-ray
machines

 Finally, we will discuss x-ray production

from linear accelerators and other
machines
X-rays are useful
for seeing what
is inside of
something
 X-Rays
As was discussed in Session I.2.3, x-rays are
produced either as

 characteristic x-rays (electron transition from

one energy orbit around the atom to another
orbit more tightly bound to the nucleus) or

 bremsstrahlung (electrons losing energy as

they pass in the vicinity of atoms and are
deflected by the positive and negative
charges)
 X-Rays
 characteristic x-rays have defined predictable
energies (the energy difference between the
two orbits traversed by the electron)
 bremsstrahlung is composed of a spectrum
of energies ranging from near zero energy to
a maximum energy equal to the initial energy
of the electron – the energy of the x-ray
produced is dependent on how much energy
the electron loses during an interaction (the
most it can lose is all the energy it has – the
least it can lose is a very small amount,
almost zero)
 X-Rays
 characteristic x-rays are useful for identifying
things
 since the energies emitted are
“characteristic” of the atoms that make up
the object, an analysis of the energies
emitted can help to identify the object
 thus characteristic x-rays are used for
trace element analysis which is used in
forensic science (matching evidence
samples) and other activities (such as
identifying contaminants)
 X-Rays
 bremsstrahlung x-rays are extensivley used in
medical and industrial applications

 Medical x-ray units are used for Diagnostic

Radiology and Linear Accelerators are used
for Radiation Therapy

 Industrial x-ray units are used to

“diagnose” problems with inanimate
objects (such as faulty welds on pipes) or
they can be used to search for contraband
(baggage inspection units at airports)
 Medical

Diagnostic
(portable)
Diagnostic Medical X-Ray Unit
Diagnostic Medical X-Ray Unit
Diagnostic Medical X-Ray Unit
X-RAY TUBE HOUSING (ASSEMBLY)
HIGH VOLTAGE
CABLES

COLLIMATOR
Diagnostic Medical X-Ray Unit
Diagnostic X-Ray Spectra
Diagnostic X-Ray Spectra
 Dental Medical
(diagnostic)
 Medical

Diagnostic
(portable)
 Medical

Diagnostic
(portable)
 Medical

Superficial Therapy (low energy)

Medical

Radiotherapy
(high energy)

Accelerates electrons
but can also produce
high energy x-rays by
directing the electron
beam into a target as is
done in a typical
diagnostic x-ray unit.
X-Ray Unit
 X-Ray Unit
GLASS
ENVELOPE ELECTRON
STREAM
FILAMENT

CATHODE
ANODE

FOCUSING
TUNGSTEN
CUP
TARGET

USEFUL X-RAYS W INDOW

X-Ray Emission
 x-rays produced from
high energy electrons
impinging on a target
tend to be scattered
in the forward
direction

 x-rays produced by
lower energy
electrons tend to be
scattered at right
angle to the direction
of the electron beam
Industrial
Radiography
Some typical radiation output measurements
from industrial radiography units with beryllium
windows

X-Ray Unit kVp mA R hr-1 @ 1 m

Magnaflux 150 10 3,600
Sperry 275 10 6,600

For comparison, the output of a 100 Ci 192Ir

Radiography Source is about 47 R/hr @ 1 m
Where to Get More Information

Cember, H., Introduction to Health Physics, 3rd

Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York (2000)

Firestone, R.B., Baglin, C.M., Frank-Chu, S.Y., Eds.,

Table of Isotopes (8th Edition, 1999 update), Wiley,
New York (1999)

International Atomic Energy Agency, The Safe Use of

Radiation Sources, Training Course Series No. 6,
IAEA, Vienna (1995)
 ‫الوقاية داخل غرفة أجهزة األشعة‬
‫عدد أجهزة األشعة في العيادة‪/‬المنشأة‬ ‫‪‬‬
‫األمور الفنية التي يمكن الحكم عليها‪:‬‬ ‫‪‬‬
‫محدد الساحة‬
‫لمبة الساحة‬
‫مرشحات األشعة اللينة المضافة‬
‫مفتاح التعرض األرضي‬
‫الشاشة التلفزيونية‬
‫طول سلك التعريض‬
‫تصوير الصدر‬ ‫‪‬‬
‫الحاجز الرصاصي‬ ‫‪‬‬
‫آلية مراقبة المريض‬ ‫‪‬‬
‫مكان االستخدام ثابت أو متبدل‬ ‫‪‬‬
 ‫‪!The End‬‬
‫شكرا على حسن استماعكم لى‬

‫?‪Any Questions‬‬