X-ray emission theory

X-ray emission occurs when high-energy electrons collide with a metal target, typically within an X-ray tube. These electrons are rapidly decelerated upon hitting the target, causing their energy to be converted into X-ray photons. Additionally, electrons can eject inner-shell electrons from atoms in the target, and the resulting electron transitions produce characteristic X-rays specific to the target material. This combination of processes generates a spectrum of X-ray energies used in medical imaging and material analysis. Essentially, X-ray emission results from energetic electron interactions with matter, releasing detectable photons that can pass through objects to create images.