What is the function of the copper stem in the anode?

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The key idea here is heat management in the X-ray tube. When the tube operates, electrons are accelerated toward the tungsten target and collide with it, turning most of their energy into heat. The copper stem surrounding that tungsten target acts as a highly efficient heat sink, thanks to copper’s excellent thermal conductivity. It spreads the heat quickly and conducts it away to the cooling system, helping prevent the target from overheating and prolonging tube life. The stem isn’t responsible for storing electric charge, producing photons, or focusing the electron beam. Focusing of electrons is handled by the cathode’s focusing cup, and photons are produced in the target area when electrons strike it.