Tube Components
This component in an x-ray tube contains the filament and focusing cup.
What is the cathode?
The stator turns the rotor at high speeds, allowing the anode and target to rotate. This dissipates heat and prevents damage.
What is the significance of the stator and rotor in a rotating anode?
Kiloelectron volts (KeV).
99%.
What percentage of electron energy is converted to heat?
Proper training, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols.
What measures should be taken to ensure safe operation of an x-ray tube in a healthcare setting?
The flow of electrons in an X-ray tube is measured in this unit.
What is the tube current?
This is the metal housing that contains the components of the x-ray tube, withstands heat, and collects off-focus radiation.
What is the purpose of the envelope?
Outer shell electrons drop into the open slot, creating an x-ray photon.
What happens when an inner shell electron is ejected during a characterisitc interaction?
The primary x-ray beam.
What is the term for the x-rays that exit the tube as a beam?
This is preventing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthcare workers and patients.
What is the primary concern regarding x-ray tube safety?
Made of tungsten.
What is the target typically made of?
The process of electrons being released from the filament when heated.
What is thermionic emission?
This interaction occurs when an electron interacts with an inner shell electron of the tungsten atom, leading to the ejection of the inner shell electron, and the creation of an x-ray photon.
What are characteristic interactions?
These are produced when electrons interact with the tungsten target in the anode.
How are x-ray photons produced in an X-ray tube?
These are x-rays that escape tube housing, and it must be minimized to prevent unintended exposure.
What is leakage radiation?
The positively charged electrode that includes the target, and its role is to attract electrons from the cathode, causing x-ray production.
What is the anode and its role?
A byproduct of the electron interactions and should be minimized to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
What is the purpose of the off-focus radiation?
This interaction occurs when electrons entering the tungsten target get close to the nucleus, creating a strong attraction.
What are Bremsstrahlung interactions?
This is the speed and penetrability of the electrons from the cathode to the anode.
What is kVp?
Wedge and trough.
What are compensating filters?
This keeps electrons in the space charge together and directs them across the tube to the anode.
What is the purpose of the focusing cup?
Cloud of negatively charged electrons surrounding the filaments in the cathode.
What is "space charge"?
This represents the range of X-ray energies produced in an x-ray tube. The peak of the curve presents the best diagnostic images.
What is the emission spectrum?
This is the number of electrons being sent from the cathode to the anode.
What is the mA?
Anode-heel effect.
Why do patient's heads go on the left side of the table?