X-ray Production

The **X-ray tube** is an evacuated electron tube designed to generate X-rays by accelerating electrons, which then collide with the anode plate. The tube consists of a cathode which is the source of electrons, usually heated to release them. The cathode and anode are enclosed in an evacuated glass envelop. The voltage applied to accelerate the electrons is typically in the kilovolt range. X-rays are produced when electrons traveling at high speeds collide with matter. Because X-rays can penetrate solid materials, they are widely used in medical and dental imaging, material structure analysis, and scientific research. X-rays were first discovered by German scientist Wilhelm Röntgen. Shortly after, Nikola Tesla independently observed the effects of X-rays when one of his photographs (of his friend Mark Twain) was distorted by the X-ray shadows created by the camera's metal screws.