The focal spot size has a direct correlation to image resolution and the ability to detect or see small defects.

Geometrical Un-Sharpness

The geometrical un-sharpness (Ug) results in blurring of details in a X-ray image as the source X-rays originate from a surface rather than a single focal point (fig. 1).  Figure 2 shows in more detail how radiation from the source reaches the detector/film.  As can be seen, the edges of the object will produce a blurred area in the detector, resulting in geometric un-sharpness.

Geometric un-sharpness is determined by:

1. The size of the focal spot (f)
2. Distance between object and the source (a)
3. Distance between the object and detector/film (b)

Where Ug = f x (b/a)

Reducing Geometric Un-sharpness

One way of decreasing Ug is to decrease the focal spot size (f) from say 3mm down to 1mm, which results in a 3-fold improvement in the geometric un-sharpness.

Reducing Exposure Time

Dose rate (l) is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source to the detector per:

l = 1/d²

Similarly to Ug, the exposure time is proportional to the focal spot size and the dose rate.  So, by decreasing the spot size from 3mm to 1mm, the exposure time will be one-third as long, allowing you to take more shots in a given time.

Summary

Yxlon manufacture a range of tube heads with small focal spot size of 1.0mm.  As shown above, using a small focal spot system will increase the image sharpness/resolution enabling you to more accurately see smaller features.  These systems will also reduce your exposure time increasing your workflow, efficiency and throughput and hence your earning capacity.

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