Application of photomultiplier tubes in medical imaging equipment: Taking X-ray and CT machines as examples

introduction:


In the field of modern medicine, medical imaging equipment plays a crucial role in non-invasive observation of the internal structure of the human body, providing important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Among them, X-ray machines and CT machines are the two most commonly used medical imaging devices. As a key component in these two devices, photomultiplier tubes have the function of converting weak light signals into electrical signals, greatly improving the clarity and accuracy of images. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the application of photomultiplier tubes in X-ray and CT machines.

1、 The basic principle of photomultiplier tubes

Photomultiplier tube is a vacuum electronic device based on external photoelectric effect, secondary electron emission, and electron optics theory. When light shines on the photocathode, it will excite photoelectrons. These photoelectrons enter the doubling system under the action of the focusing electrode electric field and are amplified through further secondary emission. Finally, the amplified electrons are collected by the anode and converted into electrical signals for output. Due to the use of a secondary emission multiplication system, the photomultiplier tube has extremely high sensitivity and low noise when detecting radiation energy in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions.


2、 The application of photomultiplier tubes in X-ray machines

X-ray machine is a device that uses X-rays for medical diagnosis. In X-ray machines, photomultiplier tubes are mainly used to receive weak light signals generated by X-rays passing through the human body. When X-rays penetrate the human body, different tissues and organs have varying degrees of absorption of X-rays, resulting in different images on film or digital imaging boards. Photomultiplier tubes can convert these weak light signals into electrical signals and obtain clear medical images through computer processing. This technology not only improves the clarity of images, but also reduces the radiation dose to patients, improving the accuracy and safety of diagnosis.


3、 The application of photomultiplier tubes in CT machines

CT machine is a device that uses X-rays to perform tomography scans on the human body. In CT machines, photomultiplier tubes also play a crucial role. The CT machine scans different parts of the patient's body by rotating the X-ray source and detector. During the scanning process, X-rays penetrate the human body and are received by the detector and converted into electrical signals. The photomultiplier tube in the detector is responsible for converting the received weak light signal into an electrical signal, and reconstructing and processing it through a computer, ultimately obtaining high-resolution tomographic images. This technology enables doctors to more accurately observe the internal structure and pathological changes of the human body, providing strong support for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


4、 Conclusion

The application of photomultiplier tubes in medical imaging equipment greatly improves the clarity and accuracy of images, providing important basis for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. With the continuous progress of technology and the development of the medical field, the application of photomultiplier tubes in medical imaging equipment will become increasingly widespread. In the future, we can look forward to the emergence of more high-performance and high-precision medical imaging devices, making greater contributions to human health.