Talk:X-ray machine

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How an X-ray machine works:

The modern x-ray machine is simply put, a forced cathode emitter. Although there are many differences between x-ray systems, the basics are actually the same.

A charge of electrons is developed on the cathode of an x-ray tube. When the desired level of charge is reached, a positive potential is applied to the anode causing the electrons to jump at high velocity from cathode to anode. When those electrons suddenly decelerate by impacting the surface of the anode, energy is released in the form of x-rays

I hope this helps; Dale Callaway

Airport security x-ray machines security
Thanks, --Abdull 13:39, 28 May 2006 (UTC) go to about ,com 3) Should You X-Ray Your Laptop? Letting your laptop go through the x-ray equipment will not harm your laptop. The magnetic field which is generated is not enough to cause harm to your hard drive or cause damage to your data. Metal detectors on the other hand, can cause damage and request politely that Security/Customs do not use the metal detector but do a hand check instead.
 * Are x-ray machines on airport safe for scanning electronics devices such as digital cameras and laptops?
 * The images produced by these machines use different colors for different objects. How does that work?

How do tX-ray machies work
unfortunately there is no detailed part (aisde froma couple of sentences) that explain how X-rays work. COuld someone do this - it is crucial to an article like this. Billyb 02:29, 16 July 2006 (UTC)


 * as far as i know its not allowed for insiders to tell how they work, for security reasons (when you know how it works, it would be easy for you to hide weapons in your baggage) even pictures made by baggage x-ray devices are not open for everyone, i googled for some of them, but didnt find any useable --85.176.50.232 21:50, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

From Iceduke

Am i right to say, a X-ray particles do not pass thru denser materials, therefore, metal objects and even bones which contains calcium appears black on the x-ray images?

In terms of security, dark continuous line appearing on the image maybe a de-cord? wire firing? therefore, logically a physical check should be carried out?

From JohnXR

I have repaired medical x-ray machines for 20 years. As far as I know there is no law preventing the discussion of how x-ray machines work. I will try to add this in the future as I have time.

X-rays are not considered to be particles. They are the same as light so whether they are photons or waves is still being debated.

When x-rays pass through objects some are stopped or absorbed by more dense materials. Air absorbs very little x-rays, flesh more and bones more. Metals are the same. Aluminum absorbs very little, copper more, steel more and lead the most.

X-ray images are usually created on film as negatives by placing the film behind the body and allowing the x-rays to pass through from the other side, something like a shadow. So body parts that absorbs very little, such as lungs, create dark almost black film images, flesh would be medium gray and bones light gray to white. Images done on TV type monitors are usually done as positives. So lungs would be light and bones dark.

Security x-rays work the same way allowing the operator to see through luggage. Metals, such as guns, would show up as dark images. Spray cans have thin enough walls that x-rays would pass through them allowing what is inside to be seen. The only way to prevent an object from being seen would be to rap it in 1/8 inch lead. However, this would create a spot that could not be seen and should trigger a physical search. JohnXR 20:50, 15 March 2007 (UTC)

"Mixed materials such as aluminium are displayed in green" this statement would need more explanation, because in itself aluminium is a pure element. It is not an alloy. What fundamentally differentiates aluminium from copper or another metal in X-Ray analysis? Pseudomonas80 19:00, 23 March 2009 (UTC)

contested statements removed

 * These devices probably caused many untold radiation injuries and infertilities. </nowiki
 * There was an obvious novelty attraction to children. )

Please do not return this information to the article without a citation.-- Birgitte SB  16:21, 9 June 2008 (UTC)