X-ray principle

X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers. This type of electromagnetic wave has the characteristics of strong penetration, high energy, and short wavelength. It can penetrate many materials such as the human body and objects, and be used for diagnosing various diseases and detecting material defects. Let's take a look at the principle of X-ray.

The basic principle of X-ray generation is the shock ionization of electrons. When high-speed electrons pass through a substance, ionization occurs. Some of the energy released during the ionization process is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic radiation, including X-rays. When this flow of electrons passes through matter, it is affected in the atomic charge field, forming an electric field. The electric field will collide electrons into deeper atoms, releasing energy in the form of electrons, photons, thermal energy, and so on.

The generation of X-rays requires three important conditions: electron source, acceleration voltage, and target element. The electron source is the main part of the X-ray emission device, and the device that emits electrons is called the cathode. When electrons come out of the cathode, they will fly out of the thin tube and form an electron beam inside the tube. After being accelerated by a voltage accelerator, this electron beam will collide with the target element, producing X-rays, a process known as X-ray radiation.

When the target element is impacted to generate X-ray, the impact generated by the impact will affect the atomic structure of the target element, and part of the electrons will be extracted from the atomic shell. This is the principle of electron compensation. The electrons extracted leave vacancies, and when electrons from other atoms are filled, the absorbed energy left behind is released and transmitted in the form of photons, forming the observed X-ray.

The ionization effect caused by X-rays is different from that of visible and ultraviolet light. It is generally believed that after X-rays pass through a substance, they will interact with electrons within the substance atoms, causing changes in the structure of the atoms within the substance, leading to collisions between particles, electron motion, and energy loss. The energy of this electron forms a tumor effect by spreading within the material, with strong penetration and lethality, and can be widely used in tumor treatment.

In summary, X-ray has a wide range of application scenarios and is an indispensable technical means in many fields such as medical treatment, mechanical processing, and material testing. It should be noted that X-rays also have high radiation hazards, and safety measures should be taken when using them.