Röntgenputkessa

Röntgenputkessa, meaning "in the X-ray tube" in Finnish, refers to the component within an X-ray tube where X-rays are generated. This crucial part of an X-ray apparatus is a vacuum-sealed glass tube containing a cathode and an anode. The cathode is a heated filament that emits electrons through thermionic emission when an electric current passes through it. These electrons are then accelerated towards the anode by a high voltage applied between the cathode and anode.

The anode, typically made of tungsten, is a metal target. When the high-speed electrons strike the anode, their kinetic energy is converted into X-rays. This process, known as bremsstrahlung radiation, occurs when the electrons rapidly decelerate upon impact. Additionally, characteristic X-rays are produced when the incident electrons dislodge inner-shell electrons from the anode material, causing outer-shell electrons to transition to lower energy levels, emitting photons of specific energies. The röntgenputkessa is therefore the site of this fundamental interaction that produces the X-ray beam used in medical imaging and other applications. The design and materials of the röntgenputkessa are critical for controlling the intensity, energy, and focal spot size of the generated X-rays.