X-ray machine
The x-ray machine is a machine used to produce x-rays.
History
The first x-ray machine was invented by Wilhelm Röntgen (1895).
The first x-ray photograph was of the hand of Röntgen's wife, the image displayed both her wedding ring and bones. On January 18, 1896 the x-ray machine was formally displayed by H.L. Smith.
Early x-ray machines were used in stores, to help sell shoes, these were known as fluoroscopes. However, as the harmful effects of x-ray radiation were discovered, they fell out of use. (They were mostly a clever marketing tool employed for novelty value than fitting aid. Shoe-fitting use of the device was first banned by the state of Pennsylvania in 1957.)
X-ray machines work by sending x-rays through matter and examining the pattern of returning radiation; this is similar to how radar works. Images taken with such devices are known as x-ray photographs.
X-ray machine technology is used in health care and security.
How They Work
Uses
Radiography
X-rays are highly penetrating, and x-ray machines are used in radiology to take pictures of bones and teeth. This is because bones absorb the radiation more than the less-dense soft tissue. X-rays from a source are passed through the body and onto a photographic plate; areas where radiation is absorbed show up as white and can be used to show broken or fractured bones. For imaging the digestive system, barium is swallowed.
