What mechanism is used for x-ray production in a kV x-ray unit?

In a kilovolt (kV) x-ray unit, x-ray production primarily occurs through the acceleration of electrons generated at the cathode towards the anode due to the potential difference applied across these components. When a high voltage is applied, it creates an electric field that accelerates the electrons emitted from the cathode. As these electrons gain kinetic energy from this potential difference, they rapidly travel towards the positively charged anode.

Upon striking the anode, these high-energy electrons interact with the atoms of the anode material, causing the electrons in the anode to be expelled from their shells. This interaction results in the emission of x-rays, primarily through two processes: Bremsstrahlung radiation and characteristic radiation. In Bremsstrahlung, the electrons are decelerated as they pass near the atomic nuclei of the anode material, resulting in the emission of x-rays. In contrast, characteristic x-rays are produced when the high-energy electrons knock out inner-shell electrons from the anode atoms, prompting outer-shell electrons to fall into these lower-energy vacancies, releasing energy in the form of x-ray photons.

This fundamental mechanism underlines the process, emphasizing the importance of the potential difference in facilitating the necessary conditions for x-ray production within a k