The correct spelling of the word "Coolidge tube" is [ˈkuːlɪdʒ tuːb]. The word is named after the American physicist, William D. Coolidge, who invented the x-ray tube in 1913. The Coolidge tube is a type of x-ray tube that uses a tungsten filament to generate electrons, which are then accelerated towards a metal target to produce x-rays. The tube is widely used in medical and industrial applications for its high efficiency and precision. The IPA phonetic transcription provides an accurate representation of how the word is pronounced.
A Coolidge tube, also known as a hot cathode X-ray tube, is an essential device used in the field of medical imaging and industrial applications to produce X-rays. This specialized tube is named after the American physicist and engineer, William David Coolidge, who invented it in the early 20th century.
The Coolidge tube consists of a vacuum-sealed glass envelope containing a tungsten filament, a target anode, and an focusing electrode. It operates on the principle of thermionic emission, where the tungsten filament is electrically heated to a high temperature, causing the emission of free electrons. The focusing electrode helps direct these electrons towards the target anode.
When a high voltage is applied across the tube, the emitted electrons gain significant kinetic energy and are accelerated towards the target anode. The collision of these accelerated electrons with the anode produces X-rays through a process called bremsstrahlung radiation. The intensity and quality of the X-ray spectrum can be controlled by adjusting the input voltage.
Coolidge tubes are designed to withstand high temperatures generated during X-ray production without deteriorating. They offer excellent precision, stability, and longevity, making them ideal for consistent usage in medical and industrial environments. These versatile devices play a crucial role in various applications, including the diagnosis of medical conditions, material inspection and testing, and non-destructive evaluation.
Overall, the Coolidge tube serves as a fundamental component in radiography and radiology, allowing for the generation of X-rays for the purpose of imaging and analysis.
An x-ray tube, in which the cathode consists of a tungsten wire spiral surrounded by a molybdenum tube; the tungsten spiral is heated by an electric current and the exact quality of the x-ray given off is regulated by varying the temperature of the cathode.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Coolidge tube" is named after its inventor, William D. Coolidge. William David Coolidge was an American physicist and engineer who primarily worked for General Electric (GE) in the early 20th century. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of X-ray technology.
In 1913, Coolidge invented the "Coolidge tube", also known as the "Coolidge X-ray tube". The Coolidge tube revolutionized the field of X-ray technology by making it more efficient, reliable, and durable. The etymology of the term simply comes from the name of its inventor, William Coolidge, who patented and popularized this important advancement in X-ray equipment.