Do you know what is the history of x-rays And how are they constituted? How is it possible that such an effect is carried out? What is the basis of its existence, or the means for its purposes and use, we invite you to learn about the interesting history of X-rays and other relevant information about this attractive subject.
X-Ray Definition
First of all, to understand what X-rays are, it is necessary to address the classification within which said element is found. It should be noted that the Electromagnetic radiation It is made up of a series of electromagnetic waves, some of which are around us.
These waves are usually found naturally in the electromagnetic spectrum, based on this information, it should be noted that there is a diversity of waves that can be divided into types of electromagnetic waves. Among the waves that physics has studied with great care and clarity, we find the following:
- Gamma rays
- X-rays
- Infrared
- Red light
- Violet light
- Ultraviolet
- Microwave oven
- FM Radio- TV
- AM radio
As we can see, X-rays represent only one type of wave that is within the classification of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is not visible to the eyes of human beings. Therefore, X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation whose function is the penetration of some body or organism in order to carry out the printing of photographs that reflect a specific extremity of the body.
This type of electromagnetic radiation carries out some functions that are carried out in a timely manner due to the qualities that accompany it, among which we can mention as essential and at the same time complete, are:
The ability to penetrate any body
This represents an extremely important variable within the characteristics that define X-rays, thanks to this capacity that said radiation possesses, it is possible to perform optimally in the process that carries out said event. Taking into account that its use is carried out exclusively for practical purposes in the area of medicine, it manages to offer the visualization of some part of the body through an X-ray.
Thanks to the current digitization of the system, today it is possible to observe a photograph, in which the penetrated body is shown, allowing to know and interpret said image even from an electronic device, such as a computer or a telephone.
This energy, which is classified as X-rays, is positioned between two aspects that we have mentioned previously, these are ultraviolet radiation and, in turn, gamma rays, which develop in a very natural way. For its part, X-rays carry out a process called ionizing. Effect that translates into the realization that gives way to a number of particles that generate ion charges through a electromagnetic force
Discovery of X-rays
El origin and history of x-rays It is evidenced thanks to William Crookes, a science student who emphasized and deepened his studies about the results and consequences of gases that were subjected to energy discharges, with the aim of observing the effect they produced. The way How were x-rays discovered? it is returned through a test basis or experiment that was carried out using the empty tubes tool. Which in turn were accompanied by electrodes, in order to provide voltage currents.
The scientist gave the name to said experiment, adding his last name. Therefore, it was defined as Crookes tubes. Diffuse images were reflected through these tubes, however, the experiment continued and William delved into this interesting effect that was generated by the tubes. Next, it is important to note that the scientist stressed the harmful scope that such radiation could produce.
For the year 1985, history highlights other studies based on Hittorff Crookes tubes, this time by Wilhelm Roentgen, who is credited with the first radiology. It should be taken into account that said character discovered the essence of lightning, and consecutively managed to take the first photograph of a hand, however who discovered x-rays was the scientist Crooker, under the observation of some assumptions that were later deepened by various professionals in the field.
This ingenious saying of science managed through observation to find some variables that allowed him to outline a theory that would later find very concrete answers. He set out to investigate the fluorescent effect that radiated in turn, a violet light, this produced by various cathode rays.
Following this incredible action, he came to the discovery that some tubes made of black cardboard achieved the elimination of perceptible light. With this, a weak emission of light was generated in the form of irradiation with a yellowish tone, together with green tones, which came from a platinum-coated blind, in cyanide tones, which finally faded when the tube dissipated.
His conclusion was based on the fact that the rays generated a type of radiation that penetrated greatly, taking into account that it managed to pass through various materials such as paper and, in turn, very light metallic materials. He concentrated on the use of photographic plates in order to arrive at the demonstration that things were shown transparently against X-rays, this under the variable thickness of the object.
The achievements were great and immediate, the history of x-rays so check it. The scientist managed to carry out the first human radiography. This x-ray reflected a hand, his wife was the one who lent herself for said x-ray. Faced with this successful experiment, he decided to name this practice under the ending of unknown rays. This is because he still did not find the cause of what he had discovered. Under these assumptions, the only data he obtained at that time was that said radiation was produced by cathode rays when it hit some objects.
Later the story emphasizes that new in-depth studies were outlined on the origin of said rays. However, despite the fact that other scientists managed to discover certain relevant data, science chose to maintain the initial name that had been given to it. Coming in this way to be known under the qualification of Roentgen, who invented x-rays
Wilhelm Roetngen received many awards thanks to the revelation of the scientific discovery of X-rays, a fact that is recorded in history. He honorably receiving the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1901. In turn, he was also awarded the Order of the Crown, being the German Emperor Wilhelm II himself who congratulated him and awarded him with such an important award. Finally for the year 1986 the Royal Society of London also awarded him a medal in honor of his efforts.
X-ray production
It is possible to demonstrate the existence of X-rays since they can be observed from the moment in which an electron beam with large energetic charges manages to slow down when it hits a metallic target. This action generates radiation, therefore, the effect is generated based on the production of a Electromagnetic spectrum which in turn emits different spectra continuously which is finally defined as X-rays.
This radiation is defined as "braking radiation" which is developed by means of a very short wavelength which depends on certain energies emitted by electrons, taking into account that some atoms that come from a material in the form of metal generate their X-rays that are defined as monochromatic. Another source being synchrotron radiation that is expressed by particle accelerators.
In this way, it is taken into account that throughout the history of x-rays its effects and practices are developed in hospital areas, as well as in laboratories, in which X-ray tubes tend to be used. These are classified into two aspects, tubes in the form of filaments and gas tubes.
filament tube
This kind of tube with filament is represented by a material in the form of unoccupied glass, that is, empty, where 2 electrodes can be found in the immediate vicinity of its ends. It has an element that is defined as catado which is accompanied by a filament called tusgten, it also has a metal element that has the task of emitting energy.
In turn, the process is generated by the acceleration of the cathode which is focused towards the target, allowing the X-rays to be developed as a result of a collision. Finally, the radiation is completed with one percent that is equivalent to the energy emitted by the X-ray process.
Taking into account that the rest is represented by electrons accompanied by thermal energy. The function of the anode is to cool the material to prevent said material from protruding, this is only possible if you have the use of a motor that executes a constant rotation.
When turning, the degree of heating tends to be distributed throughout the entire length of the anode, and before such execution, it is possible to carry out the satisfactory operation with great force and resistance. Said tube has a window that is completely transparent to X-rays, which is made up of very fine and delicate materials, such as aluminum and beryllium.
X-ray tube schematic
The tube has a gas content approaching 001 mmHg which counts as pressure. This is examined by a kind of valve that is accompanied by a cathode of sunken luminous material, this admits the focus of the electrons and in turn of the anode. These ionized particles contain nitrogen as well as oxygen found within the tube cavity which in turn are constantly attracted to the cathode and anode.
X-ray detectors
At present, it is taken into account that there is a variety of X-ray detectors. One of the first detectors that can be evidenced is photographic film, whose function is the emulsion that gives impulse to the length of the waves that are emitted by X-rays.
Some of the films that are broadcast at this frequency are determined by an element or mass absorption factor that at the same time faces the restriction that leads to a hierarchy of spectral lines. This dynamic is taken into account, which is quite limited, a fact that makes them currently displaced.
Modernity began to innovate in new detectors that have the ability to make fully digitized and high-resolution images. As an example of this we can mention the well-known plaques that are commonly used in hospitals.
These plates have a style of phosphorescent material, in which the electrons increase the energies that absorb the X-rays, and that fulfill the function of trapping said rays under a heat level. These electrons are responsible for releasing the energy after the illumination of the plates provided with laser light and at the same time generating a light with a force equal to that of the X-rays that hit the plate.
It is taken into account that the detectors have an order of magnitudes much more sensitive to the contrast with the photographic film. By the beginning of 2.000, the advances were remarkable since the use of new detectors with cameras with good resolutions and that were formed under new plates known as PAD was implemented.
Some materials in the form of ionizing devices also count as X-ray detectors. Their function lies in the measurement of ionization that develops as a result of the interactions carried out by X-rays with the various molecules composed of gas.
Possible health risks
There are various effects that can be produced by X-rays in different classes of organisms, these risks can be lower or higher, depending on the dose that is carried out through exposure to said rays. In the case of the exposures that are made at the time of the development of an X-ray, the effects are not harmful or harmful to health.
However, the constant exposure of higher doses achieves the production of strong damage caused by the different ionizing radiations that exist. Among the cases that stand out the most as strong doses of X-ray exposure we find:
- chest scans
- as well as abs
- Interventional studies such as hemodynamics
These are some X-ray exposures that usually bring harmful effects to the healthy integrity of any individual. For this reason, new effective radiation techniques must be implemented for this practice, taking into account that it must be completely optimized for its full use.
Some effects of ionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation brings with it some effects that can be quite harmful to health in general terms, these effects are classified as follows:
radiation induced cancer
It has to do with the effects that are generated from certain amounts of X-rays for a certain amount of time, which in turn is prolonged in different medical sessions, on this occasion the medical staff is in constant exposure. However, very few cases have been presented under this circumstance.
Effects on pregnant women
La history of x-rays highlights that these are strongly harmful in the case of women who are pregnant. The level of risk is much higher in certain periods of pregnancy, in the case of six weeks onwards, at this time an X-ray treatment can be very harmful. This exposure can have consequences such as:
- Nervous system disorders
- Mental retardation
- genetic malformation
These are some of the consequences present in pregnancy when X-rays are performed. In this way, it is recommended not to carry out any type of treatment that requires the development of this type of radiation.
Other effects that occur in humans due to the energy of X-rays are:
- Hair loss
- skin burns
- Cataracts or vision loss
- Cancer
- Mental retardation
- Sickness
- Genetic defects or malformations
- Among others.
deterministic
They are characterized by accidents that are very serious, which are so affected that the use of X-rays does not count as the best option with regard to medical practices.
Localized deterministics
It refers to those people who require the constant practice of X-rays, and that in turn the amount that is performed are generally of great intensity with regard to the energy supplied. Among these treatments we can highlight the practice of radiotherapy as well as the submission of studies that require interventions in the case of serious skin diseases.
A highly shocking effect due to X-rays is cataract disease caused by contact of X-rays directly in the eye, although it is rare in individuals, this type of risk usually occurs in those who are dedicated to work diary of some kind of radiation. Therefore, the work must be supervised and must be kept under certain levels of prevention. Ultimately, through history of x-rays Various harmful effects have been observed that strongly affect human health.