What do we Need to Generate X-rays?

In order to generate x-rays, a cathode and an anode both made of tungsten encased in a Pyrex glass vacuum tube is required.^1,3,7 The thermionic emission is responsible for generating electrons at the level of the heated cathode filament, and the anode serves as the target for the accelerated electrons. A step-up and a step-down transformer is used to help transform the regular 110V alternating current to a high voltage at the level of the tube (more than 50 kV), and a low voltage at the level of the filament (10 V), respectively.^1,3,7

A focusing cup houses the cathode in order to help prevent the electrons from repelling each other away from the filament and as well allows the stream of electrons from the cathode to anode to be controlled. In order to control the exact time the electrons travel from the filament to the target, a dead-man switch will be connected to the circuit (Figure 3).^1,3,7

Figure 3. Schematics of an x-ray tube.

Figure 3. Schematics of an x-ray tube.