What is an X-ray maker?

X-ray machines, also known as radiography machines, are medical devices used to produce controlled electromagnetic radiation, specifically X-rays. These highly penetrating forms of radiation allow non-invasive imaging of internal body structures. X-ray machines play a crucial role in medical diagnostics, providing valuable information to healthcare professionals for proper patient care. Here's a general overview of how an X-ray maker works:

X-ray Generation:

1. Electrons are produced from a heated cathode filament and focused into a beam by electrostatic focusing components.

2. The electron beam, with precise energy, strikes a metallic target material called the anode or sometimes referred to as an X-ray tube.

3. Upon impact, the high-speed electrons in the beam abruptly decelerate within the anode material. This sudden collision produces two types of radiation:

a. Thermal energy: It contributes to most of the energy loss as heat but isn't useful for generating X-rays.

b. Electromagnetic radiation: Only about 1% of the electron beam's energy is actually transformed into X-rays by interacting with the atoms in the anode target. This results in the emission of X-ray photons.

X-ray Filtration:

- As the X-ray beam is produced, it typically contains unwanted lower-energy X-rays and bremsstrahlung, which can obscure image quality. To overcome this, an initial filtration mechanism placed prior to the exit window filters out these harmful wavelengths to ensure a narrow spectrum of clinically useful X-rays.

Collimation:

- Prior to exposure to the patient, the X-ray beam is precisely shaped through a process called collimation. It ensures that the radiation is aimed in a controlled manner in specific regions of the body to minimize unnecessary exposure to other areas. Collimators consist of lead barriers, shaping apertures, and diaphragms to restrict and align the X-ray beam.

Patient Exposure:

- With careful alignment and preparation, the patient is positioned between the X-ray source and a detector (such as a cassette with X-ray sensitive film or a digital detector) with protective clothing on for non-exposed areas.

X-ray Capture and Image Formation:

- Inside the detector (film or digital panel), the targeted beam of X-rays interacts with special materials like silver halide crystals (in the case of X-ray film) or detectors that convert X-ray photons into electronic signals through processes such as photoelectric absorption and fluorescence.

- In digital systems, images are formed instantly in pixels for later viewing, manipulation, and storage on computers. Traditional film-based systems utilize radiography film that requires more steps until final images become available.

Shielding and Safety Features:

- X-ray machines are enclosed in protective walls (usually constructed with lead) or cabinets to prevent leakage of unwanted radiation. Shielding reduces the risk of potential radiation exposure to patients and medical staff not undergoing an X-ray procedure.