The birth of rays: The first appearance of mysterious rays was in late 19th century Europe, and the physics community was immersed in a frenzy of exploring the unknown world. In 1895, German physicist R ö ntgen accidentally discovered a mysterious ray that could penetrate matter during the Crookes tube experiment, and he named it “X-ray”. This discovery quickly caused a sensation in the scientific community, and X-rays became a subject of intense research among scientists.
The evolution of X-ray tubes:
Inflatable tube era: The Crookes tube is the earliest inflatable X-ray tube, which uses high-speed electrons to collide with a metal target surface to generate X-rays.
The Vacuum Tube Revolution: In 1913, Kolinger invented the vacuum X-ray tube, which provided electrons by heating tungsten filaments to incandescent state, achieving precise control of tube current and greatly improving image quality.
Gate control: In the same year, X-ray tubes equipped with control gates were introduced, which achieved precise control of X-ray output through pulse modulation technology, further eliminating scattered rays and improving image clarity.
Innovation of fluorescent screen: In 1914, the invention of barium tungstate fluorescent screen marked the birth of X-ray fluoroscopy technology and opened up a Xintiandi for medical diagnosis.
The Rise of Laser Plasma: A New Chapter in X-ray Microscopy
With the rapid development of laser technology, laser plasma light sources are gradually emerging. When high-intensity laser pulses are focused on a solid target, the target surface rapidly ionizes to form a high-temperature and high-density plasma, which then emits X-rays. This technology not only has the characteristics of being cheap and easy to operate, but also has become an indispensable routine analysis tool in the laboratory, injecting new vitality into the development of X-ray microscopy.\
The Brilliance of Synchrotron Radiation: The Transformation from Harmful to High Performance Light Sources
Synchrotron radiation, which was originally considered a harmful product of electron synchrotron accelerators, has now become synonymous with high-performance light sources. From infrared to hard X-ray range, synchrotron radiation sources play a crucial role in interdisciplinary research such as condensed matter physics, materials science, and life sciences due to their unique properties of wide spectrum, high brightness, and high collimation. After three generations of development, the electronic storage ring of synchrotron radiation light sources has been continuously optimized, achieving optimized design of electron beam emissivity and inserts, resulting in a significant increase in the brightness of synchrotron radiation light.
X-ray laser: the mysterious light that penetrates life
Since the introduction of ruby laser in 1960, scientists have been committed to achieving laser radiation in the X-ray band. X-ray lasers not only have the characteristics of strong directionality and low divergence of ordinary lasers, but their single photon energy is thousands of times that of traditional optical lasers, and they have extremely strong penetration power. The saturated X-ray laser of the water window provides the possibility of non-invasive three-dimensional imaging of living cells, and opens up a new world for research in the field of life science.
X-ray Free Electron Laser: The Light of Future Technology
X-ray free electron laser, as a representative of the next generation of light sources, has become a hot topic for scientists to study due to its outstanding advantages such as large wavelength range, high brightness, and good coherence. It not only provides powerful means for high spatial and temporal resolution dynamic research of various systems, but also brings breakthroughs to cutting-edge research in multiple disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and materials science. Global technological powers are competing to develop this high-tech light source in order to take a leading position in future technological competition.
The Rise of China: Chinese scientists have also demonstrated strong capabilities in the field of X-ray free electron lasers. From Mr. Yang Zhenning’s repeated appeals to the joint research and development of research institutions such as the Institute of High Energy and the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, China is accelerating the research and development of X-ray free electron laser technology, striving to build its own X-ray free electron laser device around 2015 and contribute Chinese wisdom to human scientific and technological progress.
From the initial discovery of X-rays to the current technological peak, the glorious history of X-rays has witnessed the crystallization of human intelligence. Every technological breakthrough embodies the hard work and relentless pursuit of scientists. Let us look forward together to how future X-ray technology will continue to write its legendary chapter and contribute more to the progress of human society.
Post time: Jun-12-2025