| The tube is a glass bulb with wires sealed in
to it and the air pumped out. Electrons are emitted from a hot
wire (cathode at extreme left) and acclerated towards an anode
made positive with a high voltage power supply [5 to10+ kV].
The anode shown is a Maltese cross, which casts an electron shadow
on the glass wall. The green glow is fluorescence as high energy
electrons hit the glass walls. The tube is emitting low levels
of soft X-rays as the high energy electrons are decelerated.
A Cathode-ray TV tube [CRT] does the same thing. Don't worry.
The X-rays are absorbed in the thick glass screen before they
enter your room. |
