Abstract
X-ray production is of fundamental importance for several applications, among these is the Microcomputed tomography technique (microCT). It is used to conduct studies in different areas of research such as industry, dentistry, archaeology and biomedicine. In this study, X-ray spectra were acquired with different filtering configurations in order to better understand the energy behavior of a X-ray beam used in a microCT system. Unfiltered spectra were acquired for voltages of 20 up to 80 kV and filtered spectra for voltages from 40 up to 120 kV. As results, the mean energy values of each filtered and unfiltered beams from 40 to 120 kV were obtained. These values were calculated based on the spectra evaluation, as well as the value of attenuation that each filtering systems generated in the spectra of 60 and 70 kV. To compose the filtration systems metallic physical filters of aluminum and copper were used. Spectra acquisition was done using a semiconductor detector, model XR-100CdTe, manufactured by Amptek.
Highlights
The capacity of X-rays to interact with matter makes usage of this type of radiation applicable in various situations
The use of metallic filters may aid in the correction of what is known as the beam hardening artifact, which compromises the quality of the microtomography image [2]
This paper aims for a better understanding of the spectrum generated by an X-ray tube used in a microcomputed tomography (microCT) system and the way the spectrum is affected by the use of filters
Summary
The capacity of X-rays to interact with matter makes usage of this type of radiation applicable in various situations. This capacity varies according to the density of the substance to be observed. In both CT and microCT, filters are added to the system as a way of removing low energy photons to obtain better image results and/ or to reduce patient exposure to radiation. In order to avoid detector saturation under certain circumstances, metallic filters can be used to eliminate low energy photons from the energy beam. The use of metallic filters may aid in the correction of what is known as the beam hardening artifact, which compromises the quality of the microtomography image [2]
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