The cathode ray tube was invented by English physicist William Crookes in 1875, before the discovery of x-rays or electrons. It was later found that the cathode rays were actually electrons being drawn across a positive potential.

Crookes Cathode Ray Tube Invented

Experimenters started producing X-rays as early as 1875 when Crookes tubes were first created. These early experiments laid the foundation for the later discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895.

Early Experiments with X-rays

German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen discovers X-rays and takes the first X-ray image of his wife's left hand, showing the skeletal composition.

Discovery of X-rays

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen accidentally discovered X-rays on November 8, 1895, while experimenting with Crookes tubes. He observed their ability to create images on fluorescent screens and photographic plates, marking the beginning of X-ray technology.

Discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen

On November 8, 1895, X-rays were discovered.

On December 22, 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen captured the first medical X-ray image of his wife Anna's hand, revealing her wedding ring. This groundbreaking image marked the beginning of medical imaging using X-rays.

First Medical X-ray Image of Anna Röntgen's Hand

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered a new type of radiation which he called X-rays. This discovery revolutionized the field of science and engineering, leading to advancements in analysis and diagnostics.

In January 1896, X-rays were used for the first time.

First use of X-rays

X-ray images become a novelty and by the end of the year, doctors worldwide, including those in New Zealand, start using them.

First Use of X-rays

Within a month after Roentgen's discovery, X-rays were being used by surgeons to guide them in their work. By June 1896, X-rays were even used by battlefield physicians to locate bullets in wounded soldiers.

First medical use of X-rays

In 1897, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the field of medicine and led to the development of diagnostic radiology.

Discovery of X-Rays

In 1900, Thomas Edison invented the first imaging devices for providing real-time feedback in medical procedures.

Invention of Fluoroscopy

In 1901, Wilhelm Rontgen was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of X-rays.

Discovery of X-Rays Nobel Prize

In 1913, the hot cathode x-ray tube utilizing thermionic emission was patented and later produced in 1917 by GE under the leadership of William D. Coolige. This design is commonly known as the Coolige tube.

Modern X-ray Tube Developed

In 1913, Gustav Bucky invented the first x-ray grid, known as the Bucky factor, to measure the efficiency of a grid in stopping x-rays.

Invention of Anti-scatter X-ray Grid

In 1913, high vacuum X-ray tubes designed by Coolidge became available, providing an intense and reliable X-ray source operating at energies up to 100,000 volts, enabling industrial applications of X-rays.

Development of high vacuum X-ray tubes by Coolidge

In 1918, Eastman introduced film to radiography, replacing the previously used glass plates. This innovation revolutionized the field of radiography.

X-ray Film Introduced

Godfrey N. Hounsfield, the inventor of the CT scanner, was born on August 28, 1919.

Birth of Godfrey N. Hounsfield

In 1922, the advent of the 200,000-volt X-ray tube allowed radiographs of thick steel parts to be produced in a reasonable amount of time, marking a significant step forward in industrial radiography.

Advancement in industrial radiography with 200,000-volt X-ray tube

Hermann Joseph Muller discovered a strong correlation between the dose of x-rays fruit flies were exposed to and the genetic damage they suffered, providing the initial direct proof of radiation-induced genetic effects.

First Demonstration of Genetic Effects of X-rays

Stafford Warren carried out the first clinical mammography trial with 119 patients, marking the inception of breast x-ray imaging.

First Clinical Breast X-ray Imaging

In 1931, General Electric Company developed 1,000,000 volt X-ray generators, providing an effective tool for industrial radiography, particularly for inspecting fusion welded pressure vessels.

Development of 1,000,000 volt X-ray generators by General Electric Company

Ziedes des Plantes demonstrated x-ray tomography, a technique that produces tomographic images by moving the x-ray source and image receptor, blurring structures above and below the focal plane.

First X-ray Tomography

G. Holst from Phillips developed an early image intensifier, which was later adapted for medical purposes after further advancements.

Development of Image Intensifier

In 1951, Cosslett & Nixon invented the X-ray (shadow) microscope at the University of Cambridge. They demonstrated that moving an object closer to the focal spot of an X-ray source creates an increasingly magnified (shadow) image at the detector.

Invention of X-ray (Shadow) Microscope

X-rays were instrumental in confirming the structure of DNA through X-ray diffraction, a key milestone in genetics.

X-rays Confirming DNA Structure

Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack were awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of Computer Assisted Tomography (CT), which revolutionized medical diagnostics and imaging.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for CT Discovery

In 1981, the Mazess lab showcased the use of Dual Energy X-ray Absorption (DEXA) in measuring bone density by capturing x-ray projections at two different energies, leading to the founding of Lunar, later acquired by GE Lunar.

Dual Energy X-ray Absorption (DEXA) demonstrated in bone density measurements

By 1983, the introduction of Computed Radiography (CR) system marked a shift from film processing to reusable phosphor stimulated detectors, although the name was somewhat misleading as it did not involve actual computing like computed tomography.

Computed Radiography (CR) system used clinically

In 2000, the commercial utilization of digital X-ray detectors, specifically for radiography and mammography, began in clinical settings.

Digital X-ray Detectors used commercially

The invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2003, highlighting its significant impact on diagnostic medicine and imaging technology.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for MRI Invention

Godfrey N. Hounsfield, the inventor of the CT scanner, passed away on August 12, 2004.

Death of Godfrey N. Hounsfield

Hologic received FDA clearance in 2011 for breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D breast imaging, which offered a more advanced imaging technique compared to traditional 2D projections.

First Breast Tomography FDA cleared

University of Canterbury receives funding to build the world's first human colour X-ray scanner.

Human Colour X-ray Scanner

X-rays were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, leading to a revolutionary change in medical imaging and our understanding of the physical world.

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