X-ray emission

X-ray emission occurs when high-energy electrons collide with a material, such as a metal target in an X-ray tube. These energetic collisions cause the electrons to slow down rapidly, releasing their energy as X-ray photons—highly energetic electromagnetic waves. Additionally, when electrons displace inner-shell electrons in atoms, outer electrons drop down to fill the vacancy, emitting X-rays in the process. This combination of processes produces the penetrating X-ray radiation used for medical imaging and other applications. In essence, X-ray emission is the result of energetic electron interactions generating electromagnetic waves capable of passing through objects and tissues.