The x-ray tube

X-ray tubes essentially consist of the housing, the cathode and the anode.
A voltage of several volts is applied to the cathode, which emits (sends out) electrons. A high-voltage between 25 and 600 kV is applied to the cathode. This generates an electric field between the cathode and anode through which the electrons are accelerated. When the electrons hit the cathode they are stopped and generate the X-rays.
X-ray tubes are used in medicine, in luggage and personal controls and for non-destructive material testing for screening. In addition X-rays are used in X-ray lithography, crystal structure analysis and X-ray fluorescence analysis