X-ray Source/X-ray Tube

An X-ray source, also known as an X-ray tube, is a vacuum tube that produces X-rays. In this tube, a current passes through a filament, causing it to heat up and emit electrons. These electrons are then accelerated by a high voltage and collide with an anode target, generating X-rays.

The intensity of the generated X-rays is proportional to the tube current and approximately to the square of the tube voltage. The conversion efficiency is low; less than 1% of the electron beam's energy is converted into X-rays, with the vast majority being dissipated as heat.

X-ray sources are broadly classified into two categories: sealed-tube and open-tube types. Sealed-tube sources are further divided into fixed-anode and rotating-anode types. Based on the power supply configuration, they are also categorized as anode-grounded, cathode-grounded, or bipolar.

X-ray sources are used in medical X-ray and CT equipment, industrial non-destructive analysis equipment, and X-ray analysis equipment (XRF, XRD). In non-destructive testing, specialized microfocus X-ray tubes are used for high-resolution inspection.

Types of X-ray tubes

Analytical X-ray Tubes: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) X-ray tubes, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) X-ray tubes, Beryllium window X-ray tubes, Ceramic X-ray tubes, Metal ceramic X-ray tubes

Industrial X-ray tubes: Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) X-Ray Tubes, Microfocus X-ray tubes, Open type X-ray source, Transmission type X-ray tube, reflection type X-ray tube

Medical X-ray tubes: Rotating anode X-ray tubes, Dental X-ray tubes, CT X-ray tubes, Mammography X-ray tubes, Angiography X-ray tubes

Matsusada Precision provides high-voltage power supplies for X-ray tubes that integrate both the filament power supply and the high-voltage acceleration supply into a single unit. Additionally, we offer all-in-one X-ray generation modules. These modules, which combine an X-ray tube with a high-voltage power supply, enable the safe generation of X-rays without the need to handle high-voltage components, high-temperature parts, or complex high-voltage cabling.