Modern Diagnostic X-Ray Sources Technology, Manufacturing, Reliability

Modern Diagnostic X-ray Sources: Technology, Manufacturing, Reliability gives an up-to-date summary of X-ray source design for applications in modern diagnostic medical imaging. It lays a sound groundwork for education and advanced training in the physics of X-ray production and X-ray interactions with matter. The book begins with a historical overview of X-ray tube and generator development, including key achievements leading up to the current technological and economic state of the field.

The book covers the physics of X-ray generation, including the process of constructing X-ray source devices. The stand-alone chapters can be read continuously or in selections. They take you inside diagnostic X-ray tubes, illustrating their design, functions, metrics for validation, and interfaces. The detailed descriptions enable objective comparison and benchmarking.

This detailed presentation of X-ray tube creation and functions enables you to understand how to optimize tube efficiency, particularly with consideration for economics and the environment. It also simplifies fault finding. Along with covering the past and current state of the field, the book assesses the future regarding developing new X-ray sources that can enhance performance and yield greater benefits to the scientific community and to the public.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Author

Symbols

Historical Introduction and Survey
The Discovery in Fall 1895
The Early Days of X-rays
Major Steps of Progress
References

Physics of Generation of Bremsstrahlung
Acceleration of Electrons
Efficiency of Energy Conversion
The X-ray Continuum Spectrum
Characteristic Radiation
Characteristic Radiation and Discontinuous Attenuation
Theory of the Angular Distribution of the Continuum Radiation
Angular Distribution of Characteristic Radiation
Polarization
Theory of Electron Scatter in the Anode
Electron Backscatter
The Thomson-Whiddington Law in More Detail
Measured and Simulated Isotropic X-ray Intensity Distribution
The Heel Effect
References

The Interaction of X-rays with Matter
Basics of the Attenuation of X-rays
X-ray Refraction and X-ray Lenses
Thomson Scattering
Rayleigh Scattering
Compton Scattering
Photoelectric Absorption
References

More Background on Medical Imaging
Non-X-ray Methods
X-ray Imaging
Spectral Imaging
Phase-Contrast Imaging
Fluorescence Imaging
Polarized X-rays
References

Imaging Modalities and Challenges
Computed Tomography
Cardio and Vascular Imaging
Radiographic Systems
Radiography/Fluoroscopy (R/F) Systems
Mammography Systems
Surgical C-Arm Systems with Monoblocks
References

Diagnostic X-ray Sources from the Inside
Working Principle and Types of Medical X-ray Tubes
Tube Components in Detail
The Tube Frame
Maintaining Vacuum
Vacuum Discharges and High-Voltage Stability
References

Housings, System Interfacing, and Auxiliary Equipment
X-ray Source Assembly
Radiation Shield
Beam Quality
Beam Limitation
Protection Against Implosion and Explosion
Cooling
References

The Source of Power
Basic Functionality of the X-ray Generator
High-Voltage Chain
Sensing Tube Voltage and Current
Energy Quantization
Voltage Ripple
Dual-Energy (Dual X-ray Color) Imaging
Filament Heating and Emission Control
Grid and Electrostatic Deflection Supply
Multiple Tubes
Other Auxiliary Supplies
Tube Temperature Supervision
Dose Control
Matching Generator and Tube
Monoblocks
References

Manufacturing, Service, and Tube Replacement
Manufacturing of X-ray Tubes
Process-Oriented versus Assembly-Oriented Production
Production Yield
Installation and Service
Tube Replacement and Recycling
Recycling
Reference

X-ray Source Development for Medical Imaging
Application Trends for the Development of Medical X-ray Sources
Developments Which Did Not (Yet?) Make it to the Marketplace
Candidates for Next-Generation Bremsstrahlung Sources
Dream and Reality: Deficits of Bremsstrahlung Sources
Nonbremsstrahlung Sources of X-rays for Imaging
Industrial Development of Novel X-ray Sources
References

Index

Rolf Behling holds a diploma in physics from the University of Hamburg, Germany. During more than 30 years in the medical industry he has held many positions, including department head of tube technology development, global project coordination manager, global innovation manager, head of marketing and field support for X-ray tubes, department head for X-ray tube development, project manager, and process physicist. The first spiral-groove-bearing X-ray tube was developed under his leadership. He currently heads the Philips Group for Advanced Development of X-ray Tubes and X-ray Generators at Philips HealthTech in Hamburg. He is a part-time lecturer at the University of Hamburg and has written numerous patents and publications in vacuum technology and medical imaging.