Tungsten Alloy X-Ray Tube

Tungsten alloy X-ray tubes used for diagnostic imaging typically consist of four main components: the anode, the cathode, the frame structure and the housing. The main function of the anode is to provide a track material for the electron beam, which is generally a tungsten-rhenium alloy. In general, the process of X-radiation production is only 1 % efficient at generating characteristic X-ray radiation, the rest is converted to heat. Heat management is paramount; particularly since higher power levels are desired due to the increase in X-ray efficiency with power, and faster imaging. Due to the large energy adsorption, it is necessary to rotate the anode to constantly bring cooler material under the electron beam.

Several different materials have been described as being useful as tungsten alloy x-ray tube anodes to give radiation protection.