Chapter 8: X-Ray Tubes and Linear Accelerators

This chapter describes the fundamental physical processes and basic engineering components by which X-ray and electron beams are produced. These systems can be categorized by energy since the technologies employed differ greatly depending on the energy. At low energies, tubes are used to produce X-rays. These are used for diagnostic imaging and other purposes (Section 8.1). At higher energies, linear accelerators (“linacs”) are used to produce both electron beams and high-energy photon beams for therapeutic applications (Section 8.2). This chapter will consider both systems.