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INTRODUCTION
An x ray tube is a vacuum tube
Contains a pair of electrode le cathode and anode
Cathode contains filament that releases electrons when High voltage is applied
Anode is made up of tungsten which attract the electrons
When the electrons released from the cathode come in contact with the tungsten they
release energy in the form of photons
These high energized photons are channelled through a lead cylinder and series of fillers
grating of X rays
COMPONENTS OF MODERN XRAY TUBE
1. Tube support
2. Glass envelope
3. Cathode
4. Anode
5. Protective housing
1. GLASS ENVELOPE
The glass envelope is made up of pyrex glass
The envelope maintains a vacuum inside to allow more efficient X Ray production and longer
tube lille.
The primary function of the envelope is to provide support and electrical insulation for anode
and cathode assemblies.
All points where primary X Ray beam exit glass is thinner.
2. TUBE SUPPORT
X Ray tube and housing assembly are quite heavy and therefore require a support
mechanism so that the radiologic technologist can position it.
There are 3 methods of X-Ray tube support
1. Ceiling support system

2. Floor to ceiling support system
2. C-arm support system
CEILING SUPPORT SYSTEM
-The ceiling support system is probably the most frequently used.
-It consists of 2 perpendicular sets of ceiling-mounted rails. This allow for both longitudinal
and transverse travel of the x-ray tube.
FLOOR TO CEILING SUPPORT SYSTEM
-The Floor to ceiling support system has a single column with rollers at each end, one
attached to a ceiling mounted rail and the other attached to a floor mounted rail. The tube
slides up and down the column as the column rotates. A variation of this type of support
system has the column positioned on a single floor support system using one or two floor
mounted rails.
C-ARM SUPPORT SYSTEM
-Interventional radiology suites often are equipped with C-arm support systems, SO called
because the system is shaped like a letter "C". These system are ceiling mounted and
provide for very flexible x-ray tube positioning. The image receptor is attached to the other
end of the C-arm from the x-ray tube. Variations called L-arm or U-arm support are also
common.
3. CATHODE
-It is the negative electrode of the x-ray tube
FILAMENT
-Cathode filament made of thin tungsten wire which is a source of electrons.
-It works on the phenomena of thermionic emission.
-Thermionic emission refers to the process in which electrons are emitted from the surface of
a metal when It is heated to a high temperature.
TUNGSTEN
Tungsten is used as filament material because of following reasons:
1. It has a high melting point of 3,422 degree Celsius
2. Less tendency to vaporize

3. High tensile strength means it can be drawn into wires.
4. High thermal conductivity and specific heat
5. Appropriate threshold or work function,
FOCUSING CUP
A focusing cup is a negatively charged, shallow depression on the surface of the cathode of
an x-ray tube, which concentrates the electron beam towards the focal spot.
Focusing cup-made of nickel Surrounds the filament. Its purpose is to focus the stream of
electrons.
4.ANODE
is a positive electrode of X-Ray tube
consists of a target (focal spot)
Made up of a small plate of tungsten
Why use tungsten as a target maternal because of the following reasons:
High atomic number(74)
High matting point (370c)
High thermal conductivity
It does not vaporize easily
TARGET MATERIAL
Target material is based on the three characteristics:
1. Atomic number-must be high so that it results in a high efficiency in X Ray production.
2. Thermal conductivity:- must be able to conduct heat away from the target.
3. High melting point:- must be able to withstand high temperature.
FOCAL SPOT
-It is the area actually bombarded by electron stream on the target.
-It can be larger or smaller in size.

5. PROTECTIVE HOUSING
X-ray tube is always mounted inside a lead-lined protective housing that is designed to:
-Prevents excessive radiation exposure.
-Prevents electric shock to the patient and the technologist.
Kilovoltage peak (kVp)- is the peak potential applied to the x-ray tube, which accelerates
electrons from the cathode to the anode
Milliampere-seconds (mAs)- is a measure of radiation produced (milliamperage) over a set

amount of time (seconds) via an x-ray tube
The Si unit of electric potential-volt (V)
The Si unit for electric current-ampere (A)

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INTRODUCTION

An x ray tube is a vacuum tube

Contains a pair of electrode le cathode and anode

Anode is made up of tungsten which attract the electrons

COMPONENTS OF MODERN XRAY TUBE

The glass envelope is made up of pyrex glass

All points where primary X Ray beam exit glass is thinner.

There are 3 methods of X-Ray tube support

1. Ceiling support system

2. C-arm support system

CEILING SUPPORT SYSTEM

-The ceiling support system is probably the most frequently used.

FLOOR TO CEILING SUPPORT SYSTEM

C-ARM SUPPORT SYSTEM

-It is the negative electrode of the x-ray tube

-Cathode filament made of thin tungsten wire which is a source of electrons.

-It works on the phenomena of thermionic emission.

Tungsten is used as filament material because of following reasons:

1. It has a high melting point of 3,422 degree Celsius

2. Less tendency to vaporize

4. High thermal conductivity and specific heat

5. Appropriate threshold or work function,

is a positive electrode of X-Ray tube

consists of a target (focal spot)

Made up of a small plate of tungsten

Why use tungsten as a target maternal because of the following reasons:

High atomic number(74)

High matting point (370c)

High thermal conductivity

It does not vaporize easily

Target material is based on the three characteristics:

1. Atomic number-must be high so that it results in a high efficiency in X Ray production.

3. High melting point:- must be able to withstand high temperature.

-It is the area actually bombarded by electron stream on the target.

-It can be larger or smaller in size.

-Prevents excessive radiation exposure.

-Prevents electric shock to the patient and the technologist.

Milliampere-seconds (mAs)- is a measure of radiation produced (milliamperage) over a set

The Si unit of electric potential-volt (V)

The Si unit for electric current-ampere (A)

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