Superficial X-rays
Encyclopedia
Superficial X-rays are low energy X-rays that do not penetrate very far before they are absorbed. They are produced by linear accelerators operating at voltage
s in the 50–200 kV
range, and therefore have an energy
in the 50–200 keV
range (see External beam radiotherapy
for an explanation of the maximum and mean energies as a function of voltage). They are useful in radiation therapy
for the treatment of various benign or malignant skin
problems, and have a useful depth of a couple of millimetres — certainly not more than 5 mm.
By convention, the voltage is used to characterize X- and gamma-ray beams (in volts), whilst electron beams are characterized by their energies (in electronvolts).
Voltage
Voltage, otherwise known as electrical potential difference or electric tension is the difference in electric potential between two points — or the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points...
s in the 50–200 kV
KV
-In physics and chemistry:* Voltage-gated potassium channel,a large family of potassium channels* Kilovolts , 1000 volts* The rating of RPMs per volt as used in reference to the rotational speed of brushless motors...
range, and therefore have an energy
Energy
In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
in the 50–200 keV
Kev
Kev can refer to:*Kev Hawkins, a fictional character.*Kevin, a given name occasionally shortened to "Kev".*Kiloelectronvolt, a unit of energy who symbol is "KeV".* Krefelder Eislauf-VereinKEV can refer to:...
range (see External beam radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy or teletherapy is the most common form of radiotherapy. The patient sits or lies on a couch and an external source of radiation is pointed at a particular part of the body...
for an explanation of the maximum and mean energies as a function of voltage). They are useful in radiation therapy
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy , radiation oncology, or radiotherapy , sometimes abbreviated to XRT or DXT, is the medical use of ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells.Radiation therapy is commonly applied to the cancerous tumor because of its ability to control...
for the treatment of various benign or malignant skin
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
problems, and have a useful depth of a couple of millimetres — certainly not more than 5 mm.
By convention, the voltage is used to characterize X- and gamma-ray beams (in volts), whilst electron beams are characterized by their energies (in electronvolts).