X-Ray Properties.pptx

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with unique properties that make them invaluable in a wide range of applications, from medical imaging to industrial testing.
Discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, X-rays have since become an essential tool in various fields due to their ability to penetrate materials, reveal internal structures, and provide valuable information about the composition and properties of matter.
Let's delve into some key X-ray properties and explore their applications in detail.

1. X-Ray Properties Presenter: Dr. Dheeraj Kumar MRIT, Ph.D. (Radiology and Imaging) Assistant Professor Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology School of Health Sciences, CSJM University, Kanpur

2. Introduction X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with unique properties that make them invaluable in a wide range of applications, from medical imaging to industrial testing. Discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895, X-rays have since become an essential tool in various fields due to their ability to penetrate materials, reveal internal structures, and provide valuable information about the composition and properties of matter. Let's delve into some key X-ray properties and explore their applications in detail. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 2

3. Penetration Power X-rays possess high penetration power, allowing them to pass through most materials, including soft tissues in the human body. This property is crucial in medical imaging, where X-rays are used to visualize bones and detect fractures, tumors, and other abnormalities. The differential absorption of X-rays by different tissues creates contrast in X-ray images, enabling radiologists to identify potential health issues . Example: In a chest X-ray, bones, muscles, and organs are seen as varying shades of gray, while air in the lungs appears black due to its low X-ray absorption. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 3

4. Wavelength X-rays have much shorter wavelengths compared to visible light, which enables them to interact with small-scale structures, including individual atoms and molecules. This property is exploited in X-ray crystallography to determine the atomic arrangement of crystalline materials . X-rays have shorter wavelengths compared to visible light, typically ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers . Example: X-ray crystallography has been pivotal in revealing the structures of DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules, leading to breakthroughs in the understanding of life processes. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 4

5. Frequency The ability of X-rays to ionize atoms and molecules makes them valuable in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, as well as in industrial applications for sterilization and disinfection . X-rays have a high frequency, ranging from 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz (30 × 10 15 to 30 × 10 18 hertz) and energies in the range of 100 eV to 100 keV . Example: In radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays are directed at cancerous tissues to damage their DNA and inhibit their growth. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 5

6. Traveling Speed X-rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, allowing for real-time imaging in medical applications, such as fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is used to guide procedures like catheter placements and joint injections . Traveling Speed: X-rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second)/ 3ⵝ10 8 Meters/second. Example: During a fluoroscopy-guided procedure, the doctor can watch the movement of the contrast dye or medical instrument in real-time on a monitor. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 6

7. Electrically Neutral X-rays are electrically neutral, meaning they carry no net electrical charge. This property enables them to interact with matter without being significantly influenced by electric fields. X-rays can pass through materials without being deflected, enabling the production of sharp and detailed images. Example: When X-rays pass through a metallic object, such as a coin, their path remains unaffected, and an X-ray detector on the other side can capture the image of the coin. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 7

8. Absorption X-rays are absorbed by materials to different degrees based on their density and atomic number. Dense materials, like bones and metals, absorb more X-rays, while less dense materials, like soft tissues, allow X-rays to pass through more easily. This property is essential in medical and industrial imaging to create contrast and reveal internal structures. Example: In a dental X-ray, the enamel and dentin in the teeth absorb X-rays, while the surrounding gums and air spaces allow X-rays to pass through. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 8

9. Reflection X-rays can undergo reflection when they encounter a smooth and reflective surface, similar to visible light. However , reflection of X-rays is less common in practical applications compared to other electromagnetic waves. Example: X-ray mirrors, although challenging to produce, have been used in some research facilities to focus X-rays for specific experiments. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 9

10. Refraction X-rays can refract or change direction when they pass from one medium to another with a different refractive index. This property is not as prominently utilized as it is in visible light due to the high penetration power of X-rays. Example: Scientists have used X-ray refraction techniques to study specific materials, but it is not as widespread as other X-ray applications. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 10

11. Scattering X-rays can scatter in various directions when they interact with atoms and electrons in a material. Compton scattering is one such phenomenon used in X-ray diffraction studies to determine the structure of materials. Example: In X-ray diffraction studies, researchers analyse the scattered X-rays to reveal the arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 11

12. Fluorescence When X-rays strike certain materials, they can cause the emission of lower-energy photons in a process known as X-ray fluorescence. This phenomenon is utilized in material analysis and elemental identification. Example: In X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, a sample is exposed to X-rays, and the emitted characteristic X-rays from the sample are analyzed to identify its elemental composition. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 12

13. Ionization X-rays have sufficient energy to ionize atoms by knocking electrons from their orbitals, leading to the creation of charged particles . This property is harnessed in radiation therapy for cancer treatment and is also used to study the interaction of X-rays with matter. Example: X-rays used in radiation therapy can create ions in cancer cells, leading to cell death and tumour shrinkage. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 13

14. Attenuation X-rays experience attenuation as they pass through matter due to absorption and scattering. The degree of attenuation is used to calculate the thickness or density of the material being imaged, as seen in computed tomography (CT) scans. Example: In a CT scan, the X-ray beam is rotated around the patient's body, and the attenuation data is processed by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 14

15. Polarization X-rays can be polarized, meaning the oscillations of their electric field occur in a specific direction. Polarized X-rays are used in certain diffraction experiments to study the orientation of molecules in a material. Example: Polarized X-ray diffraction is used to investigate the molecular alignment and ordering in liquid crystals . 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 15

16. Coherence X-rays can exhibit coherence, where the phase relationships between their waves are maintained over a certain distance. This coherence is crucial in X-ray crystallography for obtaining high-resolution structural information. Example: Coherent X-ray diffraction is employed to study the structure of nanoscale materials with atomic precision. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 16

17. Doppler Effect When X-rays interact with moving particles, they can experience a Doppler shift in their frequency, which is useful in X-ray astronomy to study celestial bodies' motions. Example: X-ray observations of binary star systems can provide information about the velocity and orbital motion of stars. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 17

18. Dual-energy Imaging X-rays can be produced at two different energy levels simultaneously, allowing for improved tissue differentiation in medical imaging, such as identifying calcifications or iodine contrast in blood vessels. Example: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is used to measure bone mineral density and assess the risk of osteoporosis. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 18

19. Polychromatic vs. Monochromatic X-rays can be polychromatic, containing a range of energies, or monochromatic, with a single energy level. Monochromatic X-rays are utilized in certain research applications to enhance the precision of measurements. Example: Monochromatic X-rays are employed in X-ray crystallography to reduce background noise and improve data quality. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 19

20. X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES ) This property is used in X-ray spectroscopy to study the electronic structure and chemical state of atoms in a material. Example: XANES is used to study the oxidation state of transition metals in catalysts to optimize their efficiency in chemical reactions. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 20

21. X-ray Diffraction (XRD ) X-rays can diffract when they interact with a crystalline material, producing a diffraction pattern that reveals the atomic arrangement . XRD is an essential technique in materials science. Example: XRD is used to identify the crystalline phases present in a material, helping to determine its structure and properties. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 21

22. Photoelectric Effect X-rays can cause the photoelectric effect, where an incident X-ray photon is absorbed, and an electron is ejected from an atom. This phenomenon is applied in X-ray detectors, such as those used in X-ray imaging systems. Example: Photoelectric detectors in X-ray machines capture the transmitted X-rays to produce images of the internal structures of the human body. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 22

23. Non-destructive Testing (NDT ) X-rays are widely used in industrial applications for non-destructive testing of materials, welds, and components. NDT allows manufacturers to inspect critical parts without damaging or destroying them. Example: In the aerospace industry, X-ray inspection is used to check the integrity of aircraft components, ensuring they meet safety standards. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 23

24. Baggage and Cargo Scanning and Security Screening X-ray scanners are employed at airports and border checkpoints to examine the contents of baggage and cargo for prohibited or dangerous items. X-ray systems are employed in security screening at public venues, ensuring safety by detecting concealed weapons and other threats. Examples X-ray scanners at airports help security personnel identify potential threats concealed within luggage . X-ray scanners at entrances to public events help prevent potential security breaches. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 24

25. X-ray Astronomy X-rays are used in astronomy to study high-energy phenomena in space, such as black holes, neutron stars, and supernovae. Example: X-ray telescopes like Chandra X-ray Observatory provide essential data for understanding the extreme physics of celestial objects. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 25

26. X-ray Fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy is a real-time X-ray imaging technique used in medical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization and barium swallow examinations. Example: During a cardiac catheterization procedure, a catheter is guided through blood vessels using fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat heart conditions. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 26

27. Biological Effect These effects are primarily due to the ionizing nature of X-rays, which means they have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms and molecules, leading to the creation of charged particles (ions). Here are some biological effects of X-rays on living organisms, along with Examples: DNA damage caused by X-ray exposure can result in mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and potentially lead to the development of cancer over time . High doses of X-ray radiation used in cancer therapy can kill cancer cells by inducing widespread damage to their DNA and cellular components . Acute radiation sickness can occur in individuals exposed to high levels of X-rays during nuclear accidents or incidents involving high-energy sources . Radiologists and healthcare workers who are exposed to X-rays regularly may have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer due to cumulative radiation exposure . Radiation-induced skin damage, called radiation dermatitis, is a common side effect in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy . Radiologists and technicians who do not wear appropriate protective gear may be at risk of developing cataracts due to long-term exposure to X-rays. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 27

28. Summary X-rays are a powerful form of electromagnetic radiation with diverse properties that have revolutionized various fields. From medical diagnostics and therapy to materials science and industrial applications, X-rays have proven indispensable in modern technology and scientific research. Their ability to penetrate matter, interact with atoms, and produce detailed images make them invaluable tools in advancing our understanding of the world around us and improving the quality of life for millions. However , it is essential to use X-rays responsibly and judiciously to minimize potential risks associated with ionizing radiation. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 28

29. References "Radiology Basics - X-ray Properties." Radiology Cafe. Website: https://radiologycafe.com/radiology-trainees/basic-principles/x-ray-properties "Physics of X-rays." Radiopaedia . Website: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/physics-of-x-rays?lang=us Bushberg, J. T., Seibert, J. A., Leidholdt, E. M., & Boone, J. M. (Eds.). (2017). "The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging" (3rd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Huda, W. (2016). "Review of Radiologic Physics" (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Thibodeau , G. A., & Patton, K. T. (2017). "Anatomy & Physiology" (10th ed.). Elsevier . National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. (2009). Ionizing Radiation Exposure of the Population of the United States. NCRP Report No. 160. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. (2000). Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation: UNSCEAR 2000 Report to the General Assembly, with Scientific Annexes. Volume I: Sources. United Nations. National Research Council. (2006). Health Risks from Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII Phase 2. The National Academies Press. Health Physics Society. (2021). Radiation Exposure and Pregnancy: A Fact Sheet for Clinicians. Health Physics Society. International Atomic Energy Agency. (2011). Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation: Annex B. IAEA Safety Standards Series No. RS-G-1.1. 24-07-2023 X-Ray Properties and Applications By- Dr. Dheeraj Kumar 29

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