Better bundled: new principle for generating X-rays

An artist impression of X-rays ( purple ) emitted from the new type of X-ray source, where a layered structure which guides the beam is bombarded by electrons ( yellow ). Photo: Julius Hilbig Physicists from Göttingen University develop method in which beams are simultaneously generated and guided by "sandwich structure - X-rays are usually difficult to direct and guide. X-ray physicists at the University of Göttingen have developed a new method with which the X-rays can be emitted more precisely in one direction. To do this, the scientists use a structure of thin layers of materials with different densities of electrons to simultaneously deflect and focus the generated beams. The results of the study were published Advances. To generate X-rays in ordinary X-ray tubes, electrons that have been accelerated by a high voltage, collide with a metal anode. The atoms in the metal deflect and slow down the electrons on their path, or the electrons excite the metal atoms to emit radiation as they bump into each other.