• The higher the voltage is applied to the poles of the tube, the stronger the potential difference appears on them, therefore, the kinetic energy of moving electrons will be higher. The voltage on the tube determines the speed of the electrons and the force of their collision with the anode material, therefore, the voltage determines the wavelength of the resulting X-ray radiation.

Classification of x-ray tubes

1. By appointment
1. Diagnostic
2. Therapeutic
3. For structural analysis
4. For transillumination
2. By design
1. By focus

• Single-focus (one spiral on the cathode, and one focal spot on the anode)
• Bifocal (two spirals of different sizes on the cathode, and two focal spots on the anode)

1. By type of anode

• Stationary (fixed)
• Rotating

X-rays are used not only for radiodiagnostic purposes, but also for therapeutic purposes. As noted above, the ability of X-ray radiation to suppress the growth of tumor cells makes it possible to use it in radiation therapy of oncological diseases. In addition to the medical field of application, X-ray radiation has found wide application in the engineering and technical field, materials science, crystallography, chemistry and biochemistry: for example, it is possible to detect structural defects in various products (rails, welds, etc.) using X-rays. The type of such research is called defectoscopy. And at airports, railway stations and other crowded places, X-ray television introscopes are actively used to scan hand luggage and luggage for security purposes.

Depending on the type of anode, X-ray tubes differ in design. Due to the fact that 99% of the kinetic energy of the electrons is converted into thermal energy, during the operation of the tube, the anode is significantly heated - the sensitive tungsten target often burns out. The anode is cooled in modern x-ray tubes by rotating it. The rotating anode has the shape of a disk, which distributes heat evenly over its entire surface, preventing local overheating of the tungsten target.

The design of X-ray tubes also differs in focus. Focal spot - the section of the anode on which the working X-ray beam is generated. It is subdivided into the real focal spot and the effective focal spot ( rice. 12). Due to the angle of the anode, the effective focal spot is smaller than the real one. Different focal spot sizes are used depending on the size of the image area. The larger the image area, the wider the focal spot must be to cover the entire image area. However, a smaller focal spot produces better image clarity. Therefore, when producing small images, a short filament is used and the electrons are directed to a small area of ​​the anode target, creating a smaller focal spot.

Rice. 9 - x-ray tube with a stationary anode.
Rice. 10 - X-ray tube with a rotating anode.
Rice. 11 - X-ray tube device with a rotating anode.
Rice. 12 is a diagram of the formation of a real and effective focal spot.

FEDERAL AGENCY FOR EDUCATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

HIGHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

MOSCOW STATE INSTITUTE OF STEEL AND ALLOYS

(UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY)

NOVOTROITSKY BRANCH

Department of OEND

COURSE WORK

Discipline: Physics

Topic: X-RAY

Student: Nedorezova N.A.

Group: EiU-2004-25, No. З.К.: 04Н036

Checked by: Ozhegova S.M.

Introduction

Chapter 1

1.1 Biography of Roentgen Wilhelm Conrad

1.2 Discovery of X-rays

Chapter 2

2.1 X-ray sources

2.2 Properties of X-rays

2.3 Registration of X-rays

2.4 Use of X-rays

Chapter 3

3.1 Analysis of crystal structure imperfections

3.2 Spectrum analysis

Conclusion

List of sources used

Applications

Introduction

A rare person has not gone through an x-ray room. Pictures taken in x-rays are familiar to everyone. In 1995, this discovery was 100 years old. It is hard to imagine what great interest it aroused a century ago. In the hands of a man turned out to be an apparatus with which it was possible to see the invisible.

This invisible radiation capable of penetrating, albeit to varying degrees, into all substances, which is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of about 10 -8 cm, was called X-ray radiation, in honor of Wilhelm Roentgen who discovered it.

Like visible light, X-rays cause blackening of photographic film. This property is of great importance for medicine, industry and scientific research. Passing through the object under study and then falling on the film, X-ray radiation depicts its internal structure on it. Since the penetrating power of X-rays is different for different materials, parts of the object that are less transparent to it give brighter areas in the photograph than those through which the radiation penetrates well. Thus, bone tissues are less transparent to x-rays than the tissues that make up the skin and internal organs. Therefore, on the radiograph, the bones will be indicated as lighter areas and the fracture site, which is less transparent for radiation, can be quite easily detected. X-ray imaging is also used in dentistry to detect caries and abscesses in the roots of teeth, as well as in industry to detect cracks in castings, plastics and rubbers, in chemistry to analyze compounds, and in physics to study the structure of crystals.

Roentgen's discovery was followed by experiments by other researchers who discovered many new properties and applications of this radiation. A major contribution was made by M. Laue, W. Friedrich, and P. Knipping, who in 1912 demonstrated the diffraction of X-rays as they pass through a crystal; W. Coolidge, who in 1913 invented a high-vacuum X-ray tube with a heated cathode; G. Moseley, who established in 1913 the relationship between the wavelength of radiation and the atomic number of an element; G. and L. Braggi, who received the Nobel Prize in 1915 for developing the fundamentals of X-ray diffraction analysis.

This term paper is to study the phenomenon of x-ray radiation, the history of discovery, properties and identify the scope of its application.

Chapter 1

1.1 Biography of Roentgen Wilhelm Conrad

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen was born on March 17, 1845 in the border region of Germany with Holland, in the city of Lenepe. He received his technical education in Zurich at the same Higher Technical School (Polytechnic) where Einstein later studied. Passion for physics forced him after leaving school in 1866 to continue physical education.

In 1868 he defended his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, he worked as an assistant at the Department of Physics, first in Zurich, then in Giessen, and then in Strasbourg (1874-1879) with Kundt. Here Roentgen went through a good experimental school and became a first-class experimenter. Roentgen performed part of the important research with his student, one of the founders of Soviet physics, A.F. Ioffe.

Scientific research relates to electromagnetism, crystal physics, optics, molecular physics.

In 1895, he discovered radiation with a wavelength shorter than the wavelength of ultraviolet rays (X-rays), later called x-rays, and investigated their properties: the ability to reflect, absorb, ionize air, etc. Proposed correct design tubes for obtaining X-rays - an inclined platinum anticathode and a concave cathode: the first took photographs using x-rays. Discovered in 1885 the magnetic field of a dielectric moving in electric field(the so-called "X-ray current"). His experience clearly showed that the magnetic field is created by mobile charges, and was important for the creation of X. Lorentz's electronic theory. A significant number of Roentgen's works are devoted to the study of the properties of liquids, gases, crystals, electromagnetic phenomena, discovered the relationship between electrical and optical phenomena in crystals. For the discovery of the rays that bear his name, Roentgen in 1901 was the first among physicists to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

From 1900 until the last days of his life (he died on February 10, 1923) he worked at the University of Munich.

1.2 Discovery of X-rays

End of the 19th century was marked by increased interest in the phenomena of the passage of electricity through gases. Even Faraday seriously dealt with these phenomena, described various forms discharge, opened a dark space in a luminous column of rarefied gas. Faraday dark space separates the bluish, cathode glow from the pinkish, anode glow.

A further increase in the rarefaction of the gas significantly changes the nature of the glow. The mathematician Plücker (1801-1868) discovered in 1859, at sufficiently strong rarefaction, a weakly bluish beam of rays emanating from the cathode, reaching the anode and causing the glass of the tube to glow. Plücker's student Gittorf (1824-1914) in 1869 continued his teacher's research and showed that a distinct shadow appears on the fluorescent surface of the tube if a solid body is placed between the cathode and this surface.

Goldstein (1850-1931), studying the properties of rays, called them cathode rays (1876). Three years later, William Crookes (1832-1919) proved the material nature of cathode rays and called them "radiant matter" - a substance in a special fourth state. His evidence was convincing and clear. Experiments with the "Crookes tube" were later demonstrated in all physical classrooms . The deflection of the cathode beam by a magnetic field in a Crookes tube has become a classic school demonstration.

However, experiments on the electrical deflection of cathode rays were not so convincing. Hertz did not detect such a deviation and came to the conclusion that the cathode ray is an oscillatory process in the ether. Hertz's student F. Lenard, experimenting with cathode rays, showed in 1893 that they pass through a window covered with aluminum foil and cause a glow in the space behind the window. Hertz devoted his last article, published in 1892, to the phenomenon of the passage of cathode rays through thin metal bodies. It began with the words:

“Cathode rays differ from light in a significant way in terms of their ability to penetrate solids.” Describing the results of experiments on the passage of cathode rays through gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, etc. leaves, Hertz notes that he did not observe any special differences in the phenomena The rays do not pass through the leaves in a straight line, but are scattered by diffraction.The nature of the cathode rays was still unclear.

It was with such tubes of Crookes, Lenard and others that the Würzburg professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen experimented at the end of 1895. Once, after the end of the experiment, he closed the tube with a black cardboard cover, turned off the light, but did not turn off the inductor that fed the tube, he noticed the glow of the screen from barium cyanogen located near the tube. Struck by this circumstance, Roentgen began to experiment with the screen. In his first report "On a new kind of rays", dated December 28, 1895, he wrote about these first experiments: "A piece of paper coated with barium platinum-cyanide, when approaching a tube, closed with a cover of thin black cardboard that fits snugly enough to it, with each discharge it flashes with a bright light: it begins to fluoresce. Fluorescence is visible with sufficient darkening and does not depend on whether we bring the paper with the side coated with barium synerogen or not coated with barium synerogen. The fluorescence is noticeable even at a distance of two meters from the tube.”

Careful examination showed Roentgen “that black cardboard, transparent neither to the visible and ultraviolet rays of the sun, nor to the rays of an electric arc, is penetrated by some kind of agent that causes fluorescence.” Roentgen investigated the penetrating power of this “agent”, which he called for brevity "X-rays", for various substances. He found that the rays freely pass through paper, wood, ebonite, thin layers of metal, but are strongly delayed by lead.

He then describes the sensational experience:

“If you hold your hand between the discharge tube and the screen, you can see the dark shadows of the bones in the faint outlines of the shadow of the hand itself.” This was the first x-ray examination of the human body. Roentgen also received the first x-rays by attaching them to his hand.

These shots made a huge impression; the discovery had not yet been completed, and X-ray diagnostics had already begun its journey. "My lab was flooded with doctors bringing in patients who suspected they had needles in various parts of their bodies," he wrote. English physicist Shuster.

Already after the first experiments, Roentgen firmly established that X-rays differ from cathode ones, they do not carry a charge and are not deflected by a magnetic field, but they are excited by cathode rays. "X-rays are not identical with cathode rays, but they are excited by them in the glass walls of the discharge tube ”, wrote Roentgen.

He also established that they are excited not only in glass, but also in metals.

Mentioning the Hertz-Lenard hypothesis that cathode rays “are a phenomenon occurring in the ether,” Roentgen points out that “we can say something similar about our rays.” However, he failed to detect the wave properties of the rays, they “behave differently than hitherto known ultraviolet, visible, infrared rays.” In their chemical and luminescent actions, according to Roentgen, they are similar to ultraviolet rays. In the first message, he expressed the later suggestion that they might be longitudinal waves on the air.

Roentgen's discovery aroused great interest in the scientific world. His experiments were repeated in almost all laboratories in the world. In Moscow they were repeated by P.N. Lebedev. In St. Petersburg, the inventor of radio A.S. Popov experimented with X-rays, demonstrated them at public lectures, receiving various X-rays. In Cambridge D.D. Thomson immediately applied the ionizing effect of X-rays to study the passage of electricity through gases. His research led to the discovery of the electron.

Chapter 2

X-ray radiation - electromagnetic ionizing radiation, occupying the spectral region between gamma and ultraviolet radiation within wavelengths from 10 -4 to 10 3 (from 10 -12 to 10 -5 cm).R. l. with wavelength λ< 2 условно называются жёсткими, с λ >2 - soft.

2.1 X-ray sources

The most common source of X-rays is the X-ray tube. - electrovacuum device serving as an X-ray source. Such radiation occurs when the electrons emitted by the cathode decelerate and hit the anode (anticathode); in this case, the energy of electrons accelerated by a strong electric field in the space between the anode and cathode is partially converted into X-ray energy. X-ray tube radiation is a superposition of X-ray bremsstrahlung on the characteristic radiation of the anode material. X-ray tubes are distinguished: according to the method of obtaining an electron flow - with a thermionic (heated) cathode, field emission (pointed) cathode, a cathode bombarded with positive ions and with a radioactive (β) electron source; according to the method of vacuuming - sealed, collapsible; according to the radiation time - continuous action, pulsed; according to the type of anode cooling - with water, oil, air, radiation cooling; according to the size of the focus (radiation area on the anode) - macrofocus, sharp focus and microfocus; according to its shape - ring, round, ruled; according to the method of focusing electrons on the anode - with electrostatic, magnetic, electromagnetic focusing.

X-ray tubes are used in X-ray structural analysis (Appendix 1), X-ray spectral analysis, flaw detection (Appendix 1), X-ray diagnostics (Appendix 1), radiotherapy , X-ray microscopy and microradiography. Sealed X-ray tubes with a thermionic cathode, a water-cooled anode, and an electrostatic electron focusing system are most widely used in all areas (Appendix 2). The thermionic cathode of X-ray tubes is usually a spiral or straight filament of tungsten wire heated by an electric current. The working section of the anode - a metal mirror surface - is located perpendicular or at some angle to the electron flow. To obtain a continuous spectrum of X-ray radiation of high energies and intensity, anodes from Au, W are used; X-ray tubes with Ti, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Ag anodes are used in structural analysis.

The main characteristics of X-ray tubes are the maximum permissible accelerating voltage (1-500 kV), electronic current (0.01 mA - 1A), specific power dissipated by the anode (10-10 4 W / mm 2), total power consumption (0.002 W - 60 kW) and focus sizes (1 µm - 10 mm). The efficiency of the x-ray tube is 0.1-3%.

Some radioactive isotopes can also serve as sources of X-rays. : some of them directly emit X-rays, the nuclear radiation of others (electrons or λ-particles) bombard a metal target, which emits X-rays. The X-ray intensity of isotopic sources is several orders of magnitude less than the radiation intensity of an X-ray tube, but the dimensions, weight, and cost of isotope sources are incomparably less than those with an X-ray tube.

Synchrotrons and electron storage rings with energies of several GeV can serve as sources of soft X-rays with λ on the order of tens and hundreds. In intensity, the X-ray radiation of synchrotrons exceeds the radiation of an X-ray tube in the specified region of the spectrum by 2-3 orders of magnitude.

Natural sources of X-rays - the Sun and other space objects.

2.2 Properties of X-rays

Depending on the mechanism of origin of X-rays, their spectra can be continuous (bremsstrahlung) or line (characteristic). A continuous X-ray spectrum is emitted by fast charged particles as a result of their deceleration when interacting with target atoms; this spectrum reaches a significant intensity only when the target is bombarded with electrons. The intensity of bremsstrahlung X-rays is distributed over all frequencies up to the high-frequency boundary 0 , at which the photon energy h 0 (h is Planck's constant ) is equal to the energy eV of the bombarding electrons (e is the electron charge, V is the potential difference of the accelerating field passed by them). This frequency corresponds to the short-wavelength edge of the spectrum 0 = hc/eV (c is the speed of light).

Line radiation occurs after the ionization of an atom with the ejection of an electron from one of its inner shells. Such ionization can be the result of an atom colliding with a fast particle, such as an electron (primary x-rays), or the absorption of a photon by an atom (fluorescent x-rays). The ionized atom finds itself in the initial quantum state at one of the high energy levels and after 10 -16 -10 -15 seconds passes into the final state with a lower energy. In this case, an atom can emit an excess of energy in the form of a photon of a certain frequency. The frequencies of the lines of the spectrum of such radiation are characteristic of the atoms of each element, therefore the line X-ray spectrum is called characteristic. The dependence of the line frequency of this spectrum on the atomic number Z is determined by the Moseley law.

Moseley's law, the law relating the frequency of the spectral lines of the characteristic X-ray emission of a chemical element with its serial number. G. Moseley experimentally installed in 1913. According to Moseley's law, the square root of the frequency  of the spectral line of the characteristic radiation of an element is a linear function of its serial number Z:

where R is the Rydberg constant , S n - screening constant, n - principal quantum number. On the Moseley diagram (Appendix 3), the dependence on Z is a series of straight lines (K-, L-, M-, etc. series corresponding to the values ​​n = 1, 2, 3,.).

Moseley's law was irrefutable proof of the correct placement of elements in the periodic table of elements DI. Mendeleev and contributed to the elucidation of the physical meaning of Z.

In accordance with Moseley's law, X-ray characteristic spectra do not exhibit the periodic patterns inherent in optical spectra. This indicates that the inner electron shells of atoms of all elements that appear in the characteristic X-ray spectra have a similar structure.

Later experiments revealed some deviations from the linear dependence for the transition groups of elements, associated with a change in the order of filling of the outer electron shells, as well as for heavy atoms, resulting from relativistic effects (conditionally explained by the fact that the speeds of the inner ones are comparable to the speed of light).

Depending on a number of factors - on the number of nucleons in the nucleus (isotonic shift), the state of the outer electron shells (chemical shift), etc. - the position of the spectral lines on the Moseley diagram may change somewhat. The study of these shifts allows one to obtain detailed information about the atom.

Bremsstrahlung X-rays emitted by very thin targets are completely polarized near 0; as 0 decreases, the degree of polarization decreases. Characteristic radiation, as a rule, is not polarized.

When X-rays interact with matter, the photoelectric effect can occur. , accompanying its absorption of X-rays and their scattering, the photoelectric effect is observed when an atom, absorbing an X-ray photon, ejects one of its internal electrons, after which it can either make a radiative transition, emitting a photon of characteristic radiation, or eject a second electron during a nonradiative transition (Auger electron). Under the action of X-rays on non-metallic crystals (for example, on rock salt), ions with an additional positive charge appear in some nodes of the atomic lattice, and excess electrons appear near them. Such disturbances in the structure of crystals, called X-ray excitons , are color centers and disappear only with a significant increase in temperature.

When X-rays pass through a layer of substance with thickness x, their initial intensity I 0 decreases to the value I = I 0 e - μ x where μ is the attenuation coefficient. The attenuation of I occurs due to two processes: the absorption of X-ray photons by matter and the change in their direction upon scattering. In the long-wavelength region of the spectrum, the absorption of X-rays predominates, in the short-wavelength region, their scattering. The degree of absorption increases rapidly with increasing Z and λ. For example, hard X-rays freely penetrate through a layer of air ~ 10 cm; an aluminum plate 3 cm thick attenuates X-rays with λ = 0.027 by half; soft x-rays are significantly absorbed in air and their use and study is possible only in a vacuum or in a weakly absorbing gas (for example, He). When X-rays are absorbed, the atoms of a substance are ionized.

The effect of X-rays on living organisms can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the ionization they cause in the tissues. Since the absorption of X-rays depends on λ, their intensity cannot serve as a measure of the biological effect of X-rays. X-ray measurements are used to measure the effect of X-rays on matter. , the unit of measurement is the roentgen

Scattering of X-rays in the region of large Z and λ occurs mainly without a change in λ and is called coherent scattering, and in the region of small Z and λ, as a rule, it increases (incoherent scattering). There are 2 types of incoherent X-ray scattering - Compton and Raman. In Compton scattering, which has the character of inelastic corpuscular scattering, a recoil electron flies out of the atomic shell due to the energy partially lost by the X-ray photon. In this case, the energy of the photon decreases and its direction changes; the change in λ depends on the scattering angle. During Raman scattering of a high-energy X-ray photon by a light atom, a small part of its energy is spent on the ionization of the atom and the direction of the photon's motion changes. The change of such photons does not depend on the scattering angle.

The refractive index n for x-rays differs from 1 by a very small amount δ = 1-n ≈ 10 -6 -10 -5 . The phase velocity of X-rays in a medium is greater than the speed of light in a vacuum. The deviation of X-rays during the transition from one medium to another is very small (a few arc minutes). When X-rays fall from a vacuum onto the surface of a body at a very small angle, their total external reflection occurs.

2.3 Registration of X-rays

The human eye is not sensitive to x-rays. X-ray

rays are recorded using a special x-ray film containing an increased amount of Ag, Br. In the region λ<0,5 чувствительность этих плёнок быстро падает и может быть искусственно повышена плотно прижатым к плёнке флуоресцирующим экраном. В области λ>5, the sensitivity of ordinary positive film is quite high, and its grains are much smaller than the grains of X-ray film, which increases the resolution. At λ of the order of tens and hundreds, X-rays act only on the thinnest surface layer of the photographic emulsion; to increase the sensitivity of the film, it is sensitized with luminescent oils. In X-ray diagnostics and flaw detection, electrophotography is sometimes used to record X-rays. (electroradiography).

X-rays of high intensity can be recorded using an ionization chamber (Appendix 4), X-rays of medium and low intensities at λ< 3 - сцинтилляционным счётчиком with NaI (Tl) crystal (Appendix 5), at 0.5< λ < 5 - счётчиком Гейгера - Мюллера (Appendix 6) and soldered proportional counter (Appendix 7), at 1< λ < 100 - проточным пропорциональным счётчиком, при λ < 120 - полупроводниковым детектором (Appendix 8). In the region of very large λ (from tens to 1000), open-type secondary electron multipliers with various photocathodes at the input can be used to record X-rays.

2.4 Use of X-rays

X-rays are most widely used in medicine for X-ray diagnostics. and radiotherapy . X-ray flaw detection is important for many branches of technology. , for example, to detect internal defects in castings (shells, slag inclusions), cracks in rails, defects in welds.

X-ray structural analysis allows you to establish the spatial arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice of minerals and compounds, in inorganic and organic molecules. On the basis of numerous atomic structures that have already been deciphered, the inverse problem can also be solved: according to the X-ray pattern polycrystalline substance, for example, alloy steel, alloy, ore, lunar soil, the crystalline composition of this substance can be established, i.e. phase analysis was performed. Numerous applications of R. l. radiography of materials is used to study the properties of solids .

X-ray microscopy allows, for example, to obtain an image of a cell, a microorganism, to see their internal structure. X-ray spectroscopy using X-ray spectra, he studies the energy distribution of the density of electronic states in various substances, investigates the nature of the chemical bond, and finds the effective charge of ions in solids and molecules. Spectral X-Ray Analysis by the position and intensity of the lines of the characteristic spectrum allows you to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of the substance and is used for express non-destructive control of the composition of materials at metallurgical and cement plants, processing plants. When automating these enterprises, X-ray spectrometers and quantometers are used as sensors for the composition of a substance.

X-rays coming from space carry information about the chemical composition of cosmic bodies and about the physical processes taking place in space. X-ray astronomy deals with the study of cosmic x-rays . Powerful X-rays are used in radiation chemistry to stimulate certain reactions, the polymerization of materials, and the cracking of organic substances. X-rays are also used to detect ancient paintings hidden under a layer of late painting, in the food industry to detect foreign objects that accidentally got into food products, in forensics, archeology, etc.

Chapter 3

One of the main tasks of X-ray diffraction analysis is the determination of the real or phase composition of a material. The X-ray diffraction method is direct and is characterized by high reliability, rapidity and relative cheapness. The method does not require a large number substances, the analysis can be carried out without destroying the part. The areas of application of qualitative phase analysis are very diverse both for scientific research and for control in production. You can check the composition of the raw materials of metallurgical production, synthesis products, processing, the result of phase changes during thermal and chemical-thermal treatment, analyze various coatings, thin films, etc.

Each phase, having its own crystalline structure, is characterized by a certain set of discrete values ​​of interplanar distances d/n from the maximum and below, inherent only to this phase. As follows from the Wulf-Bragg equation, each value of the interplanar distance corresponds to a line on the x-ray pattern from a polycrystalline sample at a certain angle θ (at a given value of the wavelength λ). Thus, a certain system of lines (diffraction maxima) will correspond to a certain set of interplanar distances for each phase on the X-ray diffraction pattern. The relative intensity of these lines in the X-ray pattern depends primarily on the structure of the phase. Therefore, by determining the location of the lines on the X-ray pattern (its angle θ) and knowing the wavelength of the radiation at which the X-ray pattern was taken, it is possible to determine the values ​​of the interplanar distances d/n using the Wulf-Bragg formula:

/n = λ/ (2sin θ). (one)

Having determined the set of d/n for the material under study and comparing it with the previously known d/n data for pure substances, their various compounds, it is possible to establish which phase this material constitutes. It should be emphasized that it is the phases that are determined, and not chemical composition, but the latter can sometimes be derived if there are additional data on the elemental composition of a particular phase. The task of qualitative phase analysis is greatly facilitated if the chemical composition of the material under study is known, because then it is possible to make preliminary assumptions about the possible phases in this case.

The key to phase analysis is to accurately measure d/n and line intensity. Although this is in principle easier to achieve using a diffractometer, the photomethod for qualitative analysis has some advantages, primarily in terms of sensitivity (the ability to detect the presence of a small amount of phase in the sample), as well as the simplicity of the experimental technique.

The calculation of d/n from the X-ray pattern is carried out using the Wulf-Bragg equation.

As the value of λ in this equation, λ α cf K-series is usually used:

λ α cf = (2λ α1 + λ α2) /3 (2)

Sometimes the K α1 line is used. Determining the diffraction angles θ for all X-ray lines allows you to calculate d / n according to equation (1) and separate the β-lines (if there was no filter for (β-rays).

3.1 Analysis of crystal structure imperfections

All real single-crystal and even more so polycrystalline materials contain certain structural imperfections (point defects, dislocations, various types of interfaces, micro- and macrostresses), which have a very strong effect on all structure-sensitive properties and processes.

Structural imperfections cause distortions of the crystal lattice of various nature and, as a result, different type changes in the diffraction pattern: a change in the interatomic and interplanar distances causes a shift in the diffraction maxima, microstresses and dispersion of the substructure lead to a broadening of the diffraction maxima, lattice microdistortions lead to a change in the intensity of these maxima, the presence of dislocations causes anomalous phenomena during the passage of X-rays and, consequently, local inhomogeneities of the contrast on x-ray topograms, etc.

As a result, X-ray diffraction analysis is one of the most informative methods for studying structural imperfections, their type and concentration, and the nature of their distribution.

The traditional direct method of X-ray diffraction, which is implemented on stationary diffractometers, due to their design features, allows quantitative determination of stresses and strains only on small samples cut from parts or objects.

Therefore, at present, there is a transition from stationary to portable small-sized X-ray diffractometers, which provide an assessment of stresses in the material of parts or objects without destruction at the stages of their manufacture and operation.

Portable X-ray diffractometers of the DRP * 1 series make it possible to control residual and effective stresses in large-sized parts, products and structures without destruction

The program in the Windows environment allows not only to determine the stresses using the "sin 2 ψ" method in real time, but also to monitor the change in the phase composition and texture. The linear coordinate detector provides simultaneous registration at diffraction angles 2θ = 43°. small-sized X-ray tubes of the "Fox" type with high luminosity and low power (5 W) ensure the radiological safety of the device, in which at a distance of 25 cm from the irradiated area, the radiation level is equal to the natural background level. Devices of the DRP series are used in determining stresses at various stages of metal forming, cutting, grinding, heat treatment, welding, surface hardening in order to optimize these technological operations. Control over the drop in the level of induced residual compressive stresses in especially critical products and structures during their operation makes it possible to take the product out of service before its destruction, preventing possible accidents and catastrophes.

3.2 Spectrum analysis

Along with the determination of the atomic crystal structure and phase composition of the material for its complete characteristics it is mandatory to determine its chemical composition.

Increasingly, various so-called instrumental methods of spectral analysis are used in practice for these purposes. Each of them has its own advantages and applications.

One of the important requirements in many cases is that the method used ensures the safety of the analyzed object; It is these methods of analysis that are discussed in this section. The next criterion according to which the methods of analysis described in this section were chosen is their locality.

The method of fluorescent X-ray spectral analysis is based on the penetration into the analyzed object of rather hard X-ray radiation (from an X-ray tube), which penetrates into a layer with a thickness of the order of several micrometers. The characteristic X-ray radiation arising in this case in the object makes it possible to obtain averaged data on its chemical composition.

To determine the elemental composition of a substance, one can use the analysis of the characteristic X-ray spectrum of a sample placed on the anode of an X-ray tube and subjected to electron bombardment - the emission method, or the analysis of the spectrum of secondary (fluorescent) X-ray radiation of a sample subjected to irradiation with hard X-rays from an X-ray tube or other source - fluorescent method.

The disadvantage of the emission method is, firstly, the need to place the sample on the anode of the X-ray tube, followed by evacuation with vacuum pumps; obviously, this method is unsuitable for fusible and volatile substances. The second drawback is related to the fact that even refractory objects are damaged by electron bombardment. The fluorescent method is free from these shortcomings and therefore has a much wider application. The advantage of the fluorescent method is also the absence of bremsstrahlung, which improves the sensitivity of the analysis. Comparison of the measured wavelengths with tables of spectral lines of chemical elements is the basis of a qualitative analysis, and the relative intensities of the spectral lines of different elements that form the sample substance form the basis of a quantitative analysis. From a consideration of the mechanism of excitation of characteristic X-ray radiation, it is clear that the radiations of one or another series (K or L, M, etc.) arise simultaneously, and the ratio of line intensities within the series is always constant. Therefore, the presence of this or that element is established not by individual lines, but by a series of lines as a whole (except for the weakest ones, taking into account the content of this element). For relatively light elements, the analysis of the K-series lines is used, for heavy elements, the L-series lines; under different conditions (depending on the equipment used and on the analyzed elements), different regions of the characteristic spectrum may be most convenient.

The main features of X-ray spectral analysis are as follows.

Simplicity of X-ray characteristic spectra even for heavy elements (compared to optical spectra), which simplifies the analysis (small number of lines; similarity in their mutual arrangement; with an increase in the ordinal number, a regular shift of the spectrum to the short-wavelength region occurs; comparative simplicity of quantitative analysis).

Independence of wavelengths from the state of atoms of the analyzed element (free or in a chemical compound). This is due to the fact that the occurrence of characteristic X-ray radiation is associated with the excitation of internal electronic levels, which in most cases practically do not change with the degree of ionization of atoms.

The possibility of separation in the analysis of rare earth and some other elements that have small differences in the spectra in the optical range due to the similarity of the electronic structure of the outer shells and differ very little in their chemical properties.

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is "non-destructive", so it has an advantage over conventional optical spectroscopy when analyzing thin samples - thin metal sheet, foil, etc.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, among them multichannel spectrometers or quantometers, providing express quantitative analysis of elements (from Na or Mg to U) with an error of less than 1% of the determined value, a sensitivity threshold of 10 -3 ... 10 -4% .

x-ray beam

Methods for determining the spectral composition of x-rays

Spectrometers are divided into two types: crystal-diffraction and crystalless.

The decomposition of X-rays into a spectrum using a natural diffraction grating - a crystal - is essentially similar to obtaining a spectrum of ordinary light rays using an artificial diffraction grating in the form of periodic strokes on glass. The condition for the formation of a diffraction maximum can be written as the condition of "reflection" from a system of parallel atomic planes separated by a distance d hkl .

When conducting a qualitative analysis, one can judge the presence of an element in a sample by one line - usually the most intense line of the spectral series suitable for a given analyzer crystal. The resolution of crystal diffraction spectrometers is sufficient to separate the characteristic lines even of elements adjacent in position in the periodic table. However, it is also necessary to take into account the imposition of different lines of different elements, as well as the imposition of reflections of different orders. This circumstance should be taken into account when choosing analytical lines. At the same time, it is necessary to use the possibilities of improving the resolution of the instrument.

Conclusion

Thus, x-rays are invisible electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 10 5 - 10 2 nm. X-rays can penetrate some materials that are opaque to visible light. They are emitted during the deceleration of fast electrons in matter (continuous spectrum) and during transitions of electrons from the outer electron shells of the atom to the inner ones (linear spectrum). Sources of X-ray radiation are: X-ray tube, some radioactive isotopes, accelerators and accumulators of electrons (synchrotron radiation). Receivers - film, luminescent screens, nuclear radiation detectors. X-rays are used in X-ray diffraction analysis, medicine, flaw detection, X-ray spectral analysis, etc.

Having considered the positive aspects of V. Roentgen's discovery, it is necessary to note its harmful biological effect. It turned out that X-rays can cause something like a severe sunburn (erythema), accompanied, however, by deeper and more permanent damage to the skin. Appearing ulcers often turn into cancer. In many cases, fingers or hands had to be amputated. There were also deaths.

It has been found that skin damage can be avoided by reducing exposure time and dose, using shielding (eg lead) and remote controls. But gradually other, more long-term effects of X-ray exposure were revealed, which were then confirmed and studied in experimental animals. Effects due to X-rays and other ionizing radiations (such as gamma rays emitted by radioactive materials) include:

) temporary changes in the composition of the blood after a relatively small excess exposure;

) irreversible changes in the composition of the blood (hemolytic anemia) after prolonged excessive exposure;

) an increase in the incidence of cancer (including leukemia);

) faster aging and early death;

) the occurrence of cataracts.

The biological impact of X-rays on the human body is determined by the level of radiation dose, as well as by which particular organ of the body was exposed to radiation.

The accumulation of knowledge about the effects of X-ray radiation on the human body has led to the development of national and international standards for permissible radiation doses, published in various reference publications.

To avoid the harmful effects of X-rays, control methods are used:

) availability of adequate equipment,

) monitoring compliance with safety regulations,

) correct use of the equipment.

List of sources used

1) Blokhin M.A., Physics of X-rays, 2nd ed., M., 1957;

) Blokhin M.A., Methods of X-ray spectral studies, M., 1959;

) X-rays. Sat. ed. M.A. Blokhin, trans. with him. and English, M., 1960;

) Kharaja F., General course of X-ray engineering, 3rd ed., M. - L., 1966;

) Mirkin L.I., Handbook of X-ray diffraction analysis of polycrystals, M., 1961;

) Weinstein E.E., Kakhana M.M., Reference tables on X-ray spectroscopy, M., 1953.

) X-ray and electron-optical analysis. Gorelik S.S., Skakov Yu.A., Rastorguev L.N.: Proc. Allowance for universities. - 4th ed. Add. And a reworker. - M.: "MISiS", 2002. - 360 p.

Applications

Attachment 1

General view of X-ray tubes

Annex 2

Scheme of X-ray tube for structural analysis

Scheme of an X-ray tube for structural analysis: 1 - metal anode glass (usually grounded); 2 - windows made of beryllium for x-ray output; 3 - thermionic cathode; 4 - glass bulb, isolating the anode part of the tube from the cathode; 5 - cathode terminals, to which the filament voltage is applied, as well as high (relative to the anode) voltage; 6 - electrostatic system for focusing electrons; 7 - anode (anticathode); 8 - branch pipes for input and output of running water cooling the anode glass.

Appendix 3

Moseley diagram

Moseley diagram for K-, L- and M-series of characteristic X-rays. The abscissa shows the serial number of the element Z, the ordinate - ( With is the speed of light).

Appendix 4

Ionization chamber.

Fig.1. Cross section of a cylindrical ionization chamber: 1 - cylindrical body of the chamber, which serves as a negative electrode; 2 - cylindrical rod serving as a positive electrode; 3 - insulators.

Rice. 2. Scheme of switching on the current ionization chamber: V - voltage on the electrodes of the chamber; G is a galvanometer that measures the ionization current.

Rice. 3. Current-voltage characteristic of the ionization chamber.

Rice. 4. Scheme of switching on the pulsed ionization chamber: C - capacitance of the collecting electrode; R is resistance.

Annex 5

Scintillation counter.

Scheme of a scintillation counter: light quanta (photons) "knock out" electrons from the photocathode; moving from dynode to dynode, the electron avalanche multiplies.

Appendix 6

Geiger-Muller counter.

Rice. 1. Scheme of a glass Geiger-Muller counter: 1 - hermetically sealed glass tube; 2 - cathode (a thin layer of copper on a stainless steel tube); 3 - output of the cathode; 4 - anode (thin stretched thread).

Rice. 2. Scheme of switching on the Geiger-Muller counter.

Rice. 3. The counting characteristic of the Geiger-Muller counter.

Appendix 7

proportional counter.

Scheme of a proportional counter: a - electron drift region; b - area of ​​gas amplification.

Annex 8

Semiconductor detectors

Semiconductor detectors; the sensitive area is highlighted by hatching; n - region of a semiconductor with electronic conductivity, p - with hole, i - with intrinsic conduction; a - silicon surface-barrier detector; b - drift germanium-lithium planar detector; c - germanium-lithium coaxial detector.

The discovery and merit in the study of the basic properties of X-rays rightfully belongs to the German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. The amazing properties of X-rays discovered by him immediately received a huge response in the scientific world. Although then, back in 1895, the scientist could hardly imagine what benefit, and sometimes harm, X-rays can bring.

Let's find out in this article how this type of radiation affects human health.

What is x-ray radiation

The first question that interested the researcher was what is X-ray radiation? A number of experiments made it possible to verify that this is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 10 -8 cm, which occupies an intermediate position between ultraviolet and gamma radiation.

Application of X-rays

All these aspects of the destructive effects of the mysterious X-rays do not at all exclude surprisingly extensive aspects of their application. Where is X-rays used?

1. Study of the structure of molecules and crystals.
2. X-ray flaw detection (in industry, detection of defects in products).
3. Methods of medical research and therapy.

The most important applications of X-rays have become possible due to the very short wavelengths of the entire range of these waves and their unique properties.

Since we are interested in the impact of X-ray radiation on people who encounter it only during a medical examination or treatment, then we will only consider this area of ​​application of X-rays.

The use of x-rays in medicine

Despite the special significance of his discovery, Roentgen did not take out a patent for its use, making it an invaluable gift for all mankind. Already in the First World War, X-ray units began to be used, which made it possible to quickly and accurately diagnose the wounded. Now we can distinguish two main areas of application of x-rays in medicine:

• X-ray diagnostics;
• x-ray therapy.

X-ray diagnostics

X-ray diagnostics is used in various options:

Let's take a look at the difference between these methods.

All of these diagnostic methods are based on the ability of x-rays to illuminate film and on their different permeability to tissues and the bone skeleton.

X-ray therapy

The ability of X-rays to have a biological effect on tissues is used in medicine for the treatment of tumors. The ionizing effect of this radiation is most actively manifested in the effect on rapidly dividing cells, which are the cells of malignant tumors.

However, you should also be aware of the side effects that inevitably accompany radiotherapy. The fact is that rapidly dividing cells are also hematopoietic, endocrine, immune systems. A negative impact on them gives rise to signs of radiation sickness.

The effect of X-ray radiation on humans

Shortly after the remarkable discovery of X-rays, it was discovered that X-rays had an effect on humans.

These data were obtained in experiments on experimental animals, however, geneticists suggest that similar effects may apply to the human body.

The study of the effects of X-ray exposure has led to the development of international standards for acceptable radiation doses.

Doses of x-ray radiation in x-ray diagnostics

After visiting the X-ray room, many patients are worried - how will the received dose of radiation affect their health?

The dose of general irradiation of the body depends on the nature of the procedure. For convenience, we will compare the received dose with natural exposure, which accompanies a person throughout his life.

1. X-ray: chest - the received dose of radiation is equivalent to 10 days of background exposure; upper stomach and small intestine - 3 years.
2. Computed tomography of organs abdominal cavity and pelvis, as well as the whole body - 3 years.
3. Mammography - 3 months.
4. Radiography of the extremities is practically harmless.
5. With regard to dental x-rays, the radiation dose is minimal, since the patient is exposed to a narrow beam of x-rays with a short radiation duration.

These radiation doses meet acceptable standards, but if the patient feels anxious before the X-ray, he has the right to ask for a special protective apron.

Exposure of X-rays to pregnant women

Each person has to undergo X-ray examination repeatedly. But there is a rule - this diagnostic method cannot be prescribed to pregnant women. The developing embryo is extremely vulnerable. X-rays can cause chromosome abnormalities and, as a result, the birth of children with malformations. The most vulnerable in this regard is the gestational age of up to 16 weeks. Moreover, the most dangerous for the future baby is an x-ray of the spine, pelvic and abdominal regions.

Knowing about the detrimental effect of x-rays on pregnancy, doctors avoid using it in every possible way during this crucial period in a woman's life.

However, there are side sources of X-rays:

• electron microscopes;
• color TV kinescopes, etc.

Expectant mothers should be aware of the danger posed by them.

For nursing mothers, radiodiagnosis is not dangerous.

What to do after an x-ray

To avoid even the minimal effects of X-ray exposure, some simple steps can be taken:

• after an x-ray, drink a glass of milk - it removes small doses of radiation;
• very handy taking a glass of dry wine or grape juice;
• some time after the procedure, it is useful to increase the proportion of foods with a high content of iodine (seafood).

But, no medical procedures or special measures are required to remove radiation after an x-ray!

Despite the undoubtedly serious consequences of exposure to X-rays, one should not overestimate their danger during medical examinations - they are carried out only in certain areas of the body and very quickly. The benefits of them many times exceed the risk of this procedure for the human body.

X-ray radiation, from the point of view of physics, is electromagnetic radiation, the wavelength of which varies in the range from 0.001 to 50 nanometers. It was discovered in 1895 by the German physicist W.K. Roentgen.

By nature, these rays are related to solar ultraviolet. Radio waves are the longest in the spectrum. They are followed by infrared light, which our eyes do not perceive, but we feel it as heat. Next come the rays from red to purple. Then - ultraviolet (A, B and C). And right behind it are x-rays and gamma rays.

X-ray can be obtained in two ways: by deceleration in the matter of charged particles passing through it and by the transition of electrons from the upper layers to the inner layers when energy is released.

Unlike visible light, these rays are very long, so they are able to penetrate opaque materials without being reflected, refracted, or accumulated in them.

Bremsstrahlung is easier to obtain. Charged particles emit electromagnetic radiation when braking. The greater the acceleration of these particles and, consequently, the sharper the deceleration, the more X-rays are produced, and the wavelength becomes shorter. In most cases, in practice, they resort to the generation of rays in the process of deceleration of electrons in solids. This allows you to control the source of this radiation, avoiding the danger of radiation exposure, because when the source is turned off, the X-ray emission completely disappears.

The most common source of such radiation - The radiation emitted by it is inhomogeneous. It contains both soft (long-wave) and hard (short-wave) radiation. The soft one is characterized by the fact that it is completely absorbed by the human body, therefore such X-ray radiation does twice as much harm as the hard one. With excessive electromagnetic radiation in the tissues of the human body, ionization can damage cells and DNA.

The tube is with two electrodes - a negative cathode and a positive anode. When the cathode is heated, electrons evaporate from it, then they are accelerated in an electric field. Colliding with the solid matter of the anodes, they begin deceleration, which is accompanied by the emission of electromagnetic radiation.

X-ray radiation, the properties of which are widely used in medicine, is based on obtaining a shadow image of the object under study on a sensitive screen. If the diagnosed organ is illuminated with a beam of rays parallel to each other, then the projection of shadows from this organ will be transmitted without distortion (proportionally). In practice, the radiation source is more like a point source, so it is located at a distance from the person and from the screen.

To receive a person is placed between the x-ray tube and the screen or film, acting as radiation receivers. As a result of irradiation, bone and other dense tissues appear in the image as clear shadows, look more contrast against the background of less expressive areas that transmit tissues with less absorption. On x-rays, a person becomes "translucent".

As X-rays propagate, they can be scattered and absorbed. Before absorption, the rays can travel hundreds of meters in the air. In dense matter, they are absorbed much faster. Human biological tissues are heterogeneous, so their absorption of rays depends on the density of the tissue of the organs. absorbs rays faster than soft tissues, because it contains substances with large atomic numbers. Photons (individual particles of rays) are absorbed by different tissues of the human body in different ways, which makes it possible to obtain a contrast image using X-rays.

X-rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. It is actively used in various branches of medicine.

X-rays are electromagnetic waves whose photon energy on the scale of electromagnetic waves is between ultraviolet radiation and gamma radiation (from ~10 eV to ~1 MeV), which corresponds to wavelengths from ~10^3 to ~10^−2 angstroms ( from ~10^−7 to ~10^−12 m). That is, it is incomparably harder radiation than visible light, which is on this scale between ultraviolet and infrared ("thermal") rays.

The boundary between X-rays and gamma radiation is distinguished conditionally: their ranges intersect, gamma rays can have an energy of 1 keV. They differ in origin: gamma rays are emitted during processes occurring in atomic nuclei, while X-rays are emitted during processes involving electrons (both free and those in the electron shells of atoms). At the same time, it is impossible to determine from the photon itself during which process it arose, that is, the division into the X-ray and gamma ranges is largely arbitrary.

The x-ray range is divided into "soft x-ray" and "hard". The boundary between them lies at the wavelength level of 2 angstroms and 6 keV of energy.

The X-ray generator is a tube in which a vacuum is created. There are electrodes - a cathode, to which a negative charge is applied, and a positively charged anode. The voltage between them is tens to hundreds of kilovolts. The generation of X-ray photons occurs when electrons “break off” from the cathode and crash into the anode surface at high speed. The resulting X-ray radiation is called "bremsstrahlung", its photons have different length waves.

At the same time, photons of the characteristic spectrum are generated. Part of the electrons in the atoms of the anode substance is excited, that is, it goes to higher orbits, and then returns to its normal state, emitting photons of a certain wavelength. Both types of X-rays are produced in a standard generator.

Discovery history

On November 8, 1895, the German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered that some substances under the influence of "cathode rays", that is, the flow of electrons generated by a cathode ray tube, begin to glow. He explained this phenomenon by the influence of certain X-rays - so (“X-rays”) this radiation is now called in many languages. Later V.K. Roentgen studied the phenomenon he had discovered. On December 22, 1895, he gave a lecture on this topic at the University of Würzburg.

Later it turned out that X-ray radiation had been observed before, but then the phenomena associated with it were not given of great importance. The cathode ray tube was invented a long time ago, but before V.K. No one took X-rays special attention on blackening of photographic plates near it, etc. phenomena. The danger posed by penetrating radiation was also unknown.

Types and their effect on the body

X-ray is the most soft type penetrating radiation. Overexposure to soft x-rays is similar to ultraviolet exposure, but in a more severe form. A burn forms on the skin, but the lesion is deeper, and it heals much more slowly.

Hard X-ray is a full-fledged ionizing radiation that can lead to radiation sickness. X-ray quanta can break the protein molecules that make up the tissues of the human body, as well as the DNA molecules of the genome. But even if an X-ray quantum breaks a water molecule, it doesn't matter: chemically active free radicals H and OH are formed, which themselves are able to act on proteins and DNA. Radiation sickness proceeds in a more severe form, the more the hematopoietic organs are affected.

X-rays have mutagenic and carcinogenic activity. This means that the probability of spontaneous mutations in cells during irradiation increases, and sometimes healthy cells can degenerate into cancerous ones. Increasing the likelihood of malignant tumors is a standard consequence of any exposure, including x-rays. X-ray is the least dangerous view penetrating radiation, but it can still be dangerous.

X-ray radiation: application and how it works

X-ray radiation is used in medicine, as well as in other areas of human activity.

Fluoroscopy and computed tomography

The most common use of X-rays is fluoroscopy. "Silence" of the human body allows you to get a detailed image of both the bones (they are most clearly visible) and images of the internal organs.

Different transparency of body tissues in x-rays is associated with their chemical composition. Features of the structure of bones is that they contain a lot of calcium and phosphorus. Other tissues are composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. The phosphorus atom exceeds the weight of the oxygen atom almost twice, and the calcium atom - 2.5 times (carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen are even lighter than oxygen). In this regard, the absorption of X-ray photons in the bones is much higher.

In addition to two-dimensional "pictures", radiography makes it possible to create a three-dimensional image of an organ: this type of radiography is called computed tomography. For these purposes, soft x-rays are used. The amount of exposure received in a single image is small: it is approximately equal to the exposure received during a 2-hour flight in an airplane at an altitude of 10 km.

X-ray flaw detection allows you to detect small internal defects in products. Hard x-rays are used for it, since many materials (metal, for example) are poorly “translucent” due to the high atomic mass of their constituent substance.

X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analysis

X-rays have properties that allow them to examine individual atoms in detail. X-ray diffraction analysis is actively used in chemistry (including biochemistry) and crystallography. The principle of its operation is the diffraction scattering of X-rays by atoms of crystals or complex molecules. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, the structure of the DNA molecule was determined.

X-ray fluorescence analysis allows you to quickly determine the chemical composition of a substance.

There are many forms of radiotherapy, but they all involve the use of ionizing radiation. Radiotherapy is divided into 2 types: corpuscular and wave. Corpuscular uses flows of alpha particles (nuclei of helium atoms), beta particles (electrons), neutrons, protons, heavy ions. Wave uses rays of the electromagnetic spectrum - x-rays and gamma.

Radiotherapy methods are used primarily for the treatment of oncological diseases. The fact is that radiation primarily affects actively dividing cells, which is why the hematopoietic organs suffer this way (their cells are constantly dividing, producing more and more new red blood cells). Cancer cells are also constantly dividing and are more vulnerable to radiation than healthy tissue.

A level of radiation is used that suppresses the activity of cancer cells, while moderately affecting healthy ones. Under the influence of radiation, it is not the destruction of cells as such, but the damage to their genome - DNA molecules. A cell with a destroyed genome can exist for some time, but can no longer divide, that is, tumor growth stops.

Radiation therapy is the mildest form of radiotherapy. Wave radiation is softer than corpuscular radiation, and X-rays are softer than gamma radiation.

During pregnancy

It is dangerous to use ionizing radiation during pregnancy. X-rays are mutagenic and can cause abnormalities in the fetus. X-ray therapy is incompatible with pregnancy: it can only be used if it has already been decided to have an abortion. Restrictions on fluoroscopy are softer, but in the first months it is also strictly prohibited.

In case of emergency, X-ray examination is replaced by magnetic resonance imaging. But in the first trimester they try to avoid it too (this method has appeared recently, and with absolute certainty to speak about the absence of harmful consequences).

An unequivocal danger arises when exposed to a total dose of at least 1 mSv (in old units - 100 mR). With a simple x-ray (for example, when undergoing fluorography), the patient receives about 50 times less. In order to receive such a dose at a time, you need to undergo a detailed computed tomography.

That is, the mere fact of a 1-2-fold “X-ray” at an early stage of pregnancy does not threaten with serious consequences (but it’s better not to risk it).

Treatment with it

X-rays are used primarily in the fight against malignant tumors. This method is good because it is highly effective: it kills the tumor. It is bad because healthy tissues are not much better, there are numerous side effects. The organs of hematopoiesis are at particular risk.

In practice, apply various methods to reduce the impact of x-rays on healthy tissue. The beams are directed at an angle in such a way that a tumor appears in the zone of their intersection (due to this, the main absorption of energy occurs just there). Sometimes the procedure is performed in motion: the patient's body rotates relative to the radiation source around an axis passing through the tumor. At the same time, healthy tissues are in the irradiation zone only sometimes, and the sick - all the time.

X-rays are used in the treatment of certain arthrosis and similar diseases, as well as skin diseases. Wherein pain syndrome reduced by 50-90%. Since the radiation used is softer, side effects, similar to those that occur in the treatment of tumors, is not observed.