Terminology » RF Basics » X-Ray vs Millimeter Wave: A Detailed Comparison of Technologies

X-Ray vs Millimeter Wave: A Detailed Comparison of Technologies

x-ray millimeter wave wireless communication medical imaging radio frequency

This article compares X-Ray and millimeter wave (mm-wave) technologies, highlighting their key differences.

Features Comparison

FeaturesX-RayMillimeter Wave
DefinitionThe term X-Ray is derived from X-radiation. It’s a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than Gamma rays and shorter than UV rays.Millimeter waves occupy the EM spectrum from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. They are radio frequency waves which travel at the speed of light.
Wavelength0.01 to 10 nanometers1 mm to 10 mm
Frequency30 petahertz to 30 exahertz (i.e., 3×10163 \times 10^{16} Hz to 3×10193 \times 10^{19} Hz)30 GHz to 300 GHz
Transmit PowerAbout 0.1 Watt to 1 Watt (or 20 to 30 dBm), depending on the X-ray machine type and application.EIRP of about 40 dBm for the 57 GHz to 71 GHz frequency range.
CostAnalog X-Ray units cost 40Kto40K to 80K, while Digital X-Ray units cost 125Kto125K to 235K.Millimeter wave scanners, used at airports for full body scanning, cost about $180K.
AdvantagesLow radiation compared to CT scans. Not absorbed much by air. Helps diagnose tumors easily without surgery. Widely used by radiologists to identify cracks or injuries in bones.Used for low power, short-distance communication. Allows the use of high EIRP. Widely used in wireless communication (e.g., 802.11ad, wirelessHD, 5G NR) due to high bandwidth and data rates. 3D images can be obtained using mm-wave scanners.
DisadvantagesDoes not provide 3D information. Radiation can mutate cells, causing ionization and potentially cancer. * Bones can block significant diagnostic data due to radiation absorption.Absorbed significantly in the air due to water molecules and oxygen particles. Cannot penetrate through walls.
ApplicationsMedical imaging, cancer treatment, cosmos exploration, bone imaging for cracks or fractures.mm-wave therapy is used in medical processes at wavelengths of 7.5 to 4.3 mm to treat various diseases and pain. Millimeter waves are also used in motion sensors, radars, intrusion alarms, automatic doors, collision avoidance systems, and millimeter wave wireless systems like WiGig and 5G NR.