An X-ray machine (or radiograph) is a quick, painless medical test that produces images of the structures inside your body—particularly your bones. It is one of the oldest and most frequently used forms of medical imaging. The process is based on a specific type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. An X-ray machine produces a concentrated beam of X-ray photons. This beam is aimed at the specific part of the body being examined.

 As the rays pass through your body, different tissues absorb them at different rates depending on their density. On the other side of your body, there is a specialized film or a digital sensor. This detector captures the rays that managed to pass through you. 
  Security X-ray systems at border crossings and airports work on the same basic principles as medical X-rays, but they are tuned specifically to identify materials rather than anatomy. In this project I will show you how I made a miniature X-ray machine with standard components that can be easily purchased on the market and at the same time their manufacturing cost is very low. 

 Even the manufacturing method is relatively simple, but for safety reasons I do not recommend trying to recreate it. X-rays are extremely dangerous to human health and if appropriate protective measures are not used, serious consequences can occur. Keep in mind that the X-ray radiation that we receive in our body remains forever and increases cumulatively with each new dose.

 This project is sponsored by PCBWay. From concept to production, PCBWay provide cutting-edge electronic design solutions for global innovators, Including hardware design, software development, mechanical design, product testing and certification. PCBWayengineering team consists of experienced engineers in electronics, embedded systems, and product development. They successfully delivered hundreds of projects across industries such as medical devices, industrial automation, consumer electronics, smart home, and IoT.

  Generally, the X-ray machine consists of several components:
    - A source of low DC voltage, in my case a laboratory power supply, and a battery can also be used.

- Then a high AC voltage generator, preferably with the ability to continuously regulate the voltage and current - specifically, I use this device from a previous project of mine, which is ideally suited for this purpose.

  - Next is a Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier, which rectifies and increases the input AC voltage from the line transformer. By the way, this multiplier is also from a previous project of mine.

-  Тhe source of x-ray radiation, which in this case is a cheap DY86 rectifier vacuum tube from an old black-and-white TV. 

 In fact, this is the biggest advantage of this concept, since even the smallest dental x-ray tube costs several hundred dollars. The only downside is that the exposure has to last much longer due to the low radiation level, but in fact this is desirable in such dangerous DIY experiments. The DY86 tube is connected inversely, i.e. the cathode to plus and the anode to minus, which significantly increases its lifespan. 

   Even when exposed lasts longer than 1 hour, the tube temperature does not exceed 30 degrees - that's why this is called a cold emission. 
  - And finally, the medium on which the image is formed, specifically for that purpose I use dental film and appropriate chemicals for developing and fixing the image. 

 For this project, it is necessary to achieve a controlled radiation intensity in order to obtain a clear image after only a few tests. I managed to produce x-rays with a tolerance of +/- few µSv, which is incredibly precise control.
   My first goal was to make the DY86 tube start emitting x-rays. I had several flyback trafos from old CRT monitors at my disposal, which generate DC high voltage at the output. I also purchased 7pcs. DY86...