X-ray Production Simulation

This Interactive Animation is meant to teach X-ray production inside and X-ray tube. Electrons are released from the cathode filament thanks to Thermionic Emission. This process is controlled by modifying the filament current (mA). Changing the Filament Current Slider demonstrates how the number of electrons released changes with changes in mA.

The emitted electrons then travel towards the Tungsten anode accelerated thanks to the potential difference between these two components of the X-ray tube. Changing the Potential Difference Slider demonstrates how these electron’s speed is linked to the kV setting on the X-ray tube. Finally, the electrons impact the Tungsten anode and X-rays are emitted in all directions with varying energy levels. The Photon Speed Slider can be adjusted to better visualize the way X-rays travel in all directions but are attenuated rapidly by the anode material.

In summary, modifying the mA increases the number of X-rays emitted by increasing the number of accelerated electrons. While the energy of the X-rays is linked to the potential difference and therefore, increasing kV increases the max possible energy of the X-ray beam.

Are you an educator in Oral Radiology, or X-ray physics at the University Level? Educational resources require further testing and evaluation of teaching impact – currently looking for collaborations in scholarly research (email scobos@uwo.ca)

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