Glass Enclosure ~ Radiology Buzz

X-Ray Tube Components

This section will describe the design of the x-ray tube and which x-ray component are used:

Fig.1 X-Ray tube

1. Glass Enclosure (Envelope) 2. Cathode 3. Anode 4. focusing cup 5. Insulating oil 6. Window 7. Filter

1. GLASS ENCLOSURE (ENVELOPE):

It is necessary to seal the two electrodes of the x-ray tube in a vacuum. If gas were present inside the tube, the electrons that were being accelerated toward the anode (Target) would collide with the gas molecules, lose energy, and cause secondary electrons to be ejected from the gas molecules.
This production of secondary electrons could not be satisfactory controlled. their presence would result reduced speed of the electrons impinging on the target.
The principle was used in the design of the early so called “Gas” x-ray tubes. which contained small amounts of gas to secure as a source of secondary electrons.
The purpose of vacuum in the modern x-ray tubes is to allow the number and speed of the electrons to be controlled independently.
The shape and size of these x-ray tubes are specially designed to prevent electric discharge between the electrons.
The connectivity wires must be sealed into the glass wall of the x-ray tube.
Pyrex glass are generally used in the x-ray tube.