A simple method to determine effective atomic numbers of some compounds for multi-energetic photons

Abstract

A simple method has been presented for determination of effective atomic numbers (Zeff) in some compounds for multi-energetic photons such as Bremsstrahlung X-rays. Effective attenuation coefficient measurements were performed using a linear accelerator (Siemens Primus) which allows a good transmission geometry. Since the X-rays used are heterogeneous in energy, effective photon energies (Eeff) of the given compounds have been estimated first for 6MV and 18MV photons. Effective atomic cross-sections obtained from total mass attenuation coefficients have been used to estimate Eeff values. These Eeff values were then used to obtain Zeff values of the compounds for 6MV and 18MV photons. Finally, with the help of the present simple method it is possible to assign an effective atomic number of a multi-element material for multi-energetic Bremsstrahlung X-rays using the effective photon energies.