The difference between X-ray tube and X-ray source

The generation of X-rays requires three necessary conditions, namely, an electron source, an accelerating electric field and a metal target (tungsten or molybdenum). X-rays can be generated when a high-speed electron stream is blocked by a substance. Specifically, X-rays are invisible rays generated when a beam of electrons traveling at high speed in a vacuum tube collides with a tungsten (or molybdenum) target.

The X-ray tube is the core device for producing X-rays designed and manufactured accordingly. The basic structure of an X-ray tube is composed of three basic parts: a cathode (Cathod), an anode (Anode), and a glass or ceramic housing (Evacuated a glass envelope).

Customers often confuse the X-ray tube with the X-ray source and think that the two are the same product, but the two are different. Simply understand, the X-ray source is composed of the X-ray tube and the high voltage generator. Only the X-ray tube cannot directly generate X-rays, and the high voltage generator is required to provide voltage power supply, so that the X-ray tube generates a beam of electrons.

In addition to the two core components of the X-ray tube and the high-voltage generator, the peripheral parts also include lead barrel, stator, high-voltage cable interface, insulating oil, expander and metal shell. A complete integrated X-ray source also requires high-voltage circuits, insulation and shielding, control circuits, control interfaces, and power supplies to form a complete integrated X-ray source.

For X-ray sources, there are two requirements:

1. The vacuum degree in the tube should be kept below 133.3 × 10-7Pa(10-7mmHg) to prevent gas discharge in the X-ray tube tube and ensure that electrons emitted from the cathode can fly unimpeded to the anode at high speed.

2. In addition, all parts in the tube must be strictly cleaned to remove oil and thoroughly degassed (usually using high-frequency vacuum heating and pumping)