Are X-rays really this easy to make?

[lasergal]

I like looking up things online, just for fun. There are several videos of people who claim they have produced X-rays from simple, common things such as nightlight bulbs. This is one example: Producing X-rays from a Cheap Light Bulb! - YouTube

I haven't searched for it, but there was also one I saw a couple of months ago where an oven was supposedly emitting X-rays after it caught fire. To those of you who like to tinker with electronics (which is probably most of you on here), is this really possible? It just seems too improbable to me for some reason. I find it fascinating if X-rays really can be produced by everyday objects, but (don't worry) since I have no knowledge of electronics, I sure won't likely be experimenting with stuff like this.

And the weirdest of all has to be this: Sticky tape X-rays: by Nature Video - YouTube

 

[jeffreythe00]

If you know what you are doing and have the right equipment. Yes X-rays are easy to create. Now I'm not sure about an oven emitting X-rays, that sounds wrong however you can get X-rays by peeling tape under a vacuum.

 

[Cyparagon]

Yes to the lightbulb and tape, no to the oven. Of course, the intensity of the Xrays is very low for both these sources. CRT TVs and vacuum tubes also produce Xrays. But again, the intensity is very, very low.

 

[ryansoh3]

Wow, I'll have to try this out.

Do you think a neon sign transformer (electronic, not mechanical) would work as the high voltage source?

 

[MarioMaster]

Wow, I'll have to try this out.

Do you think a neon sign transformer (electronic, not mechanical) would work as the high voltage source?

Unlikely, I think you need to get up to around 50KV before the electrons get accelerated enough to produce X-rays.

If you really want X-rays you can have this for $35 :tinfoil:

 

[ryansoh3]

Gotcha, I just checked the voltage output and it was only 15KV.

I don't have the proper shielding so I think I'll stay with x-rays for a while.

 

[lasergal]

So all one would need is a roll of tape and a vacuum. Interesting.

So which kind of vacuum would work better, Dirt Devil or Hoover?

(OK, sorry. I just HAD to, LOL!)

 

[jeffreythe00]

Tube is good. I can verify that personally .

35$ is not too bad either. I've seen tested tubes sell for 50$ on 4hv

 

[bloompyle]

Tube is good. I can verify that personally .

35$ is not too bad either. I've seen tested tubes sell for 50$ on 4hv

Oh really?

I still cannot believe the pictures you showed me at SELEM!

I am tempted to do this myself.

 

[jeffreythe00]

^ Please be careful. Both of you. Ionizing radiation is very nasty.

 

[MarioMaster]

Indeed, as long as you sign a virtual waiver saying I am not liable for any damage caused by high voltage or ionizing radiation then send me a PM if you're interested.