Electron Gun for Medical Linear Accelerators

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Electron Gun

Definition

The electron gun is a critical component within a Medical Linear Accelerator (LINAC) that produces a controlled stream of electrons. It serves as the source of charged particles that are subsequently accelerated to high energies and directed toward a target to produce X-rays or used directly as an electron beam for treating tumors at various depths. Its precise operation is fundamental to the accuracy and effectiveness of radiation therapy. The electron gun operates on the principle of thermionic emission, where a heated cathode (often made of tungsten) emits electrons. These electrons are extracted and focused into a beam by a high-voltage electric field between the cathode and an anode. The initial energy and current of the electron beam are controlled here before injection into the accelerator structure. Key parameters include beam energy (6–18 MeV), dose rate (2–10 Gy/min), beam current (0.1–1.0 mA), focus spot size (1–3 mm), beam flatness (±3% per IEC 60976), beam symmetry (±2% per IEC 60976), filament voltage (5–10 V), filament current (2–5 A), grid voltage (0–1000 V), anode voltage (6–18 MV), operating temperature (15–35 °C), cooling water flow (5–15 L/min), and weight (50–150 kg). Materials typically include tungsten for the cathode, copper for the anode and electrodes, and ceramic for insulators. These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application with the legal manufacturer or supplier. The electron gun's performance directly affects dose delivery accuracy, treatment time, and precision. Proper maintenance, including monitoring filament integrity and cooling system function, is essential for consistent operation. Failure to maintain specified parameters can lead to beam instability, reduced dose rate, or inaccurate targeting, compromising treatment quality. Always consult the manufacturer's documentation for exact specifications and verification procedures.

Working Principle

The electron gun operates on thermionic emission. A heated cathode, typically made of tungsten, emits electrons when heated to high temperatures. These electrons are then extracted and focused into a beam by applying a high-voltage electric field between the cathode and an anode. The initial energy and current of the electron beam are controlled by adjusting the filament voltage and current, grid voltage, and anode voltage. The beam is then injected into the accelerator structure for further energy gain. The focus spot size is influenced by the electrostatic lens design and beam current. The operating temperature and cooling water flow are critical to maintain stable emission and prevent overheating. The grid voltage modulates the beam current, allowing precise control of dose rate. The anode voltage determines the beam energy, which affects penetration depth in tissue. All these parameters must be carefully set and monitored to ensure the electron gun produces a stable, focused beam suitable for medical treatment.

Common Materials

Tungsten (cathode), Copper (anode/electrodes), Ceramic (insulators)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Beam Energy	6–18 MeV	Determines penetration depth in tissue
Dose Rate	2–10 Gy/min	Higher rate reduces treatment time
Beam Current	0.1–1.0 mA	Affects dose rate and focal spot
Focus Spot Size	1–3 mm	Smaller spot improves precision
Beam Flatness	±3 %	Must be within ±3% across fieldIEC 60976
Beam Symmetry	±2 %	Ensures uniform dose distributionIEC 60976
Filament Voltage	5–10 V	Controls electron emission
Filament Current	2–5 A	Higher current increases emission
Grid Voltage	0–1000 V	Controls beam current modulation
Anode Voltage	6–18 MV	Determines beam energy
Operating Temperature	15–35 °C	Outside range may affect stability
Cooling Water Flow	5–15 L/min	Required to dissipate heat
Weight	50–150 kg	Affects mounting and handling

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Cathode Part
Heated element that emits electrons via thermionic emission.

Material: Tungsten
Anode (Extraction Electrode) Part
Positively charged electrode that extracts and initially accelerates electrons from the cathode.

Material: Copper
Focusing Electrode (Wehnelt Cylinder) Part
Electrode that shapes and focuses the emitted electron beam.

Material: Copper
Insulator Part
Electrically isolates high-voltage components.

Material: Ceramic
Cooling Water System
Carries heat away from the cathode assembly so emission stays stable.

Manufacturers of Electron Gun

Manufacturer profiles associated with Electron Gun.

Sourcing Electron Gun from China?

Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.

Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an electron gun in a LINAC?

The electron gun generates a controlled stream of electrons that are accelerated to high energies and used for radiation therapy, either directly as an electron beam or to produce X-rays.

What materials are commonly used in an electron gun?

Typical materials include tungsten for the cathode, copper for the anode and electrodes, and ceramic for insulators.

What are the typical beam energy and dose rate ranges?

Beam energy ranges from 6 to 18 MeV, and dose rate from 2 to 10 Gy/min, but these are reference values that must be confirmed for the specific model.

Why is it important to verify parameters with the manufacturer?

The listed parameters are general ranges. Actual values depend on the specific model and application, so verification with the legal manufacturer or supplier is essential for safe and effective use.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Electron Gun

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes: Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here: We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman: CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim: A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

pressure:	Atmospheric to 1.5 bar absolute
temperature:	15-30°C (operating), 10-40°C (storage)
beam current:	10-1000 μA
vacuum level:	10^-6 to 10^-4 mbar
acceleration voltage:	50-300 kV

Electron Gun

Product Specifications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards