Radiation Therapy Physics

Concepts Review Blog

Sara Lorraine Gill, MSRS, CMD

Medical Dosimetrist and Educator

25. How X-Rays are Made

Sara Lorraine Gill

Published on: 17/08/2026

Learn how high-speed electrons striking metal targets create X-rays through bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation, forming the foundation of radiation therapy.

tungsten targethigh speed electronsbremsstrahlungcharacteristic

17. Ionization & Excitation

Sara Lorraine Gill

Published on: 06/07/2026

Excitation vs. ionization: two ways radiation interacts with atoms. Learn how each process works and why ionization is the key to understanding how radiation deposits dose in tissue.

electronradiationelectromagnetic radiationionizationexcitationattenuationbremsstrahlung