Introduction to X-ray Technology

 

Understanding Radiation
 

Type-of-radiation-and-penetrating-power

 

Ionizing Radiation: A form of energy that displaces electrons from atoms, creating charged particles or ions. Examples include:

- Alpha and beta particles

- Neutrons and protons

- Gamma and X-rays

- Free electrons

 

Non-ionizing Radiation: Energy forms that don't have sufficient strength to ionize atoms, including:

- Solar radiation

- Ultraviolet light

- Infrared radiation

- Visible light spectrum

 

The Discovery of X-rays

Röntgen

 

On November 5, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a groundbreaking discovery while experimenting with cathode rays. He observed fluorescence in a barium platino-cyanide coated screen from a considerable distance. Through further investigation with shielded cathode experiments, he identified this phenomenon as being caused by an unknown type of ray, which he termed "X-rays." This discovery earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

 

 

Electronic-wave

 

X-ray Characteristics

- Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 10-11 and 10-9 meters

- High material penetration capabilities

- Applications in non-destructive testing and medical imaging

- Key properties include:

  * Photographic effects

  * Fluorescent properties when interacting with compounds like ZnS, CdS, and NaI

  * Ionization capabilities

  * Superior penetration rates

  * Light-speed propagation in vacuum

  * Diffraction properties

  * Refraction index near unity

 

X-ray Generation Mechanisms
 

Characteristic-X-ray

 

Characteristic X-rays: Produced when accelerated electrons interact with orbital electrons, causing electron transitions and energy release.

Continuous X-rays: Generated when electrons decelerate due to nuclear Coulomb forces, also known as bremsstrahlung radiation.

 

X-ray System Components

X-raySystem

1. X-ray Tube: Primary X-ray generation unit

2. Examination Table: Sample positioning system

3. Detection Unit: Transforms X-ray transmission into visible light

4. CCD Camera: Digital signal conversion device

5. Control System: Manages imaging and system operations

6. Protective Cabinet: Radiation containment structure

 

Benefits of X-ray Inspection
 

Advantage-of-X-ray-Inspection

- Vacuum-free operation unlike electron microscopy

- Non-destructive examination capabilities

- No sample preparation required

- Streamlined inspection process

- User-friendly operation

 

X-ray Tube Classifications
 

Open-Tube

Open Tube Design:

- Vacuum maintained by integrated pump system

- Superior magnification and resolution

- Replaceable components (target, filament)

- Extended operational lifespan

 

Closed-Tube

Closed Tube Design:

- Factory-sealed vacuum environment

- Non-serviceable internal components

- Complete unit replacement required if damaged

 

Detection Technologies
 

Types-of-X-ray-Detector

Image Intensifier Operation:

1. X-ray to visible light conversion via scintillator

2. Photocathode conversion to electron image

3. DC voltage electron acceleration

4. Electronic focusing system

5. Final visible light conversion

 

Indirect Digital Detection:

1. Scintillator converts X-rays to visible light

2. Photodiode transforms light to electrical signals

3. Digital data transmission via pixel arrays

 

Direct Digital Detection:

1. Direct X-ray to electrical signal conversion

2. High-speed digital signal processing
 

Indirect-detection-methods

 

The-differences-between-image-intensifiers-and-flat-panel-detectors-lie-in-their-imaging-principles,-image-quality,-and-applicable-scenarios.