The X-ray Machine

• Kilovoltage (kV) refers to the amount of electrical energy applied to the anode and cathode to accelerate the electrons from the cathode to the anode. 1 Kv =1000 volts. Application of high voltage across the anode and cathode produces x-rays with greater penetrating power and intensity.

• High voltage produces x-rays of greater penetrating power and intensity.  The kVP thus controls the penetrating power of x-rays.

• A timer switch controls the length of exposure. The period of time during which electrons are permitted to leave the tube is measured in fractions of seconds.

• Collimator (misnomer for Beam Limiting Device): component of the x-ray machine allowing restriction of the size of the beam leaving the machine.

• A step down transformer reduces the incoming voltage to the cathode side of the x-ray tube.

• A step up transformer increases the incoming voltage to produce the high voltages across the cathode and anode.

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