[The system concept of a microfocus x-ray system for clinical application]

The paper describes a radiographic unit specially designed for direct magnifying medical applications. The MICROFOX G10 is microprocessor-controlled and performs a variable focal spot size between 20 and 130 microns. Depending upon the object thickness a maximum direct magnification up to 9 x is possible. The microfocus X-ray tube is demountable allowing easy replacement of filament and target. Operational vacuum is achieved by a two-stage pump system. A special high tension generator with additional grid voltage output supplies the triode-type X-ray tube. Thanks to the gain in image resolution associated with direct radiographic magnification no high-resolving and dose consuming film-screen systems are necessary. Use of high speed systems reduces the exposures times and the patients' dose as well. The particular features of the apparatus are explained and some aspects of its performance with regard to resolution and contrast behaviour are discussed.