Al Filter Research Articles

X-ray and ion emission studies from subnanosecond laser-irradiated SiO2 aerogel foam targets

AbstractIn this experiment, a comparative study of ion and X-ray emission from both a SiO2 aerogel foam and a quartz target is performed. The experiment is performed using Nd:glass laser system operated at laser energy up to 15 J with a pulse duration of 500 ps with focusable intensity of 1013–1014 W/cm2 on target. X-ray fluxes in different spectral ranges (soft and hard) are measured by using X-ray diodes covered with Al filters of thickness 5 µm (0.9–1.56 keV) and 20 µm (3.4–16 keV). A 2.5 times enhancement in soft X-ray flux (0.9–1.56 keV) and a decrease of 1.8 times in hard X rays (3.4–16 keV) for 50 mg/cc SiO2 aerogel foam is observed compared with the solid quartz. A decrease in the flux of the K-shell line emission spectrum of soft X rays is noticed in the case of the foam targets. The high-resolution K-shell spectra (He-like) of Si ions in both the cases are analyzed for the determination of plasma parameters by comparing with FLYCHK simulations. The estimated plasma temperature and density are Tc = 180 eV, ne = 7 × 1020 cm−3 and Tc = 190 eV, ne = 4 × 1020 cm−3 for quartz and SiO2 aerogel foam, respectively. To measure the evolution of the plasma moving away from the targets, four identical ion collectors are placed at different angles (22.5, 30, 45, and 67.5°) from target normal. The angular distribution of the thermal ions are scaled as cosnθ with respect to target normal, where n = 3.8 and 4.8 for the foam and quartz, respectively. The experimental plasma volume measured from the ion collectors and shadowgraphy images are verified by a two-dimensional Eulerian radiative–hydrodynamic simulation (POLLUX code).

Low-Dose Contrast-Enhanced Breast CT Using Spectral Shaping Filters: An Experimental Study.

Iodinated contrast-enhanced X-ray imaging of the breast has been studied with various modalities, including full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and dedicated breast CT. Contrast imaging with breast CT has a number of advantages over FFDM and DBT, including the lack of breast compression, and generation of fully isotropic 3-D reconstructions. Nonetheless, for breast CT to be considered as a viable tool for routine clinical use, it would be desirable to reduce radiation dose. One approach for dose reduction in breast CT is spectral shaping using X-ray filters. In this paper, two high atomic number filter materials are studied, namely, gadolinium (Gd) and erbium (Er), and compared with Al and Cu filters currently used in breast CT systems. Task-based performance is assessed by imaging a cylindrical poly(methyl methacrylate) phantom with iodine inserts on a benchtop breast CT system that emulates clinical breast CT. To evaluate detectability, a channelized hoteling observer (CHO) is used with sums of Laguerre-Gauss channels. It was observed that spectral shaping using Er and Gd filters substantially increased the dose efficiency (defined as signal-to-noise ratio of the CHO divided by mean glandular dose) as compared with kilovolt peak and filter settings used in commercial and prototype breast CT systems. These experimental phantom study results are encouraging for reducing dose of breast CT, however, further evaluation involving patients is needed.

Generation and analysis of clinically relevant breast imaging x-ray spectra.

The purpose of this work was to develop and make available x-ray spectra for some of the most widely used digital mammography (DM), breast tomosynthesis (BT), and breast CT (bCT) systems in North America. The Monte Carlo code MCNP6 was used to simulate minimally filtered (only beryllium) x-ray spectra at 8 tube potentials from 20 to 49 kV for DM/BT, and 9 tube potentials from 35 to 70 kV for bCT. Vendor-specific anode compositions, effective anode angles, focal spot sizes, source-to-detector distances, and beryllium filtration were simulated. For each 0.5keV energy bin in all simulated spectra, the fluence was interpolated using cubic splines across the range of simulated tube potentials to produce spectra in 1 kV increments from 20 to 49 kV for DM/BT and from 35 to 70 kV for bCT. The HVL of simulated spectra with conventional filtration (at 35 kV for DM/BT and 49 kV for bCT) was used to assess spectral differences resulting from variations in: (a) focal spot size (0.1 and 0.3mm IEC), (b) solid angle at the detector (i.e., small and large FOV size), and (c) geometrical specifications for vendors that employ the same anode composition. Averaged across all DM/BT vendors, variations in focal spot and FOV size resulted in HVL differences of 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Comparing anode compositions separately, the HVL differences for Mo (GE, Siemens) and W (Hologic, Philips, and Siemens) spectra were 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Both the commercial Koning and prototype "Doheny" (UC Davis) bCT systems utilize W anodes with a 0.3mm focal spot. Averaged across both bCT systems, variations in FOV size resulted in a 2.2% difference in HVL. In addition, the Koning spectrum was slightly harder than Doheny with a 4.2% difference in HVL. Therefore to reduce redundancy, a generic DM/BT system and a generic bCT system were used to generate the new spectra reported herein. The spectral models for application to DM/BT were dubbed the Molybdenum, Rhodium, and Tungsten Anode Spectral Models using Interpolating Cubic Splines (MASMICSM-T , RASMICSM-T , and TASMICSM-T ; subscript "M-T" indicating mammography and tomosynthesis). When compared against reference models (MASMIPM , RASMIPM , and TASMIPM ; subscript "M" indicating mammography), the new spectral models were in close agreement with mean differences of 1.3%, -1.3%, and -3.3%, respectively, across tube potential comparisons of 20, 30, and 40 kV with conventional filtration. TASMICSbCT -generated bCT spectra were also in close agreement with the reference TASMIP model with a mean difference of -0.8%, across tube potential comparisons of 35, 49, and 70 kV with 1.5mm Al filtration. The Mo, Rh, and W anode spectra for application in DM and BT (MASMICSM-T , RASMICSM-T , and TASMICSM-T ) and the W anode spectra for bCT (TASMICSbCT ) as described in this study should be useful for individuals interested in modeling the performance of modern breast x-ray imaging systems including dual-energy mammography which extends to 49 kV. These new spectra are tabulated in spreadsheet form and are made available to any interested party.

Realistic dosimetry for studies on biological responses to X-rays and γ-rays

ABSTRACTA calibration coefficient R (= DA/DE) for photons was employed to characterize the photon dose in radiobiological experiments, where DA was the actual dose delivered to cells and DE was the dose recorded by an ionization chamber. R was determined using the Monte Carlo N-Particle version 5 (MCNP-5) code. Photons with (i) discrete energies, and (ii) continuous-energy distributions under different beam conditioning were considered. The four studied monoenergetic photons had energies E = 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 2 MeV. Photons with E = 0.01 MeV gave R values significantly different from unity, while those with E > 0.1 MeV gave R ≈ 1. Moreover, R decreased monotonically with increasing thickness of water medium above the cells for E = 0.01, 1 or 2 MeV due to energy loss of photons in the medium. For E = 0.1 MeV, the monotonic pattern no longer existed due to the dose delivered to the cells by electrons created through the photoelectric effect close to the medium–cell boundary. The continuous-energy distributions from the X-Rad 320 Biological Irradiator (voltage = 150 kV) were also studied under three different beam conditions: (a) F0: no filter used, (b) F1: using a 2 mm-thick Al filter, and (c) F2: using a filter made of (1.5 mm Al + 0.25 mm Cu + 0.75 mm Sn), giving mean output photon energies of 47.4, 57.3 and 102 keV, respectively. R varied from ~1.04 to ~1.28 for F0, from ~1.13 to ~1.21 for F1, and was very close to unity for F2.

Energy-correction photon counting pixel for photon energy extraction under pulse pile-up

A photon counting detector (PCD) has been proposed as an alternative solution to an energy-integrating detector (EID) in medical imaging field due to its high resolution, high efficiency, and low noise. The PCD has expanded to variety of fields such as spectral CT, k-edge imaging, and material decomposition owing to its capability to count and measure the number and the energy of an incident photon, respectively. Nonetheless, pulse pile-up, which is a superimposition of pulses at the output of a charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) in each PC pixel, occurs frequently as the X-ray flux increases due to the finite pulse processing time (PPT) in CSAs. Pulse pile-up induces not only a count loss but also distortion in the measured X-ray spectrum from each PC pixel and thus it is a main constraint on the use of PCDs in high flux X-ray applications. To minimize these effects, an energy-correction PC (ECPC) pixel is proposed to resolve pulse pile-up without cutting off the PPT by adding an energy correction logic (ECL) via a cross detection method (CDM). The ECPC pixel with a size of 200×200µm2 was fabricated by using a 6-metal 1-poly 0.18µm CMOS process with a static power consumption of 7.2 μW/pixel. The maximum count rate of the ECPC pixel was extended by approximately three times higher than that of a conventional PC pixel with a PPT of 500 nsec. The X-ray spectrum of 90 kVp, filtered by 3mm Al filter, was measured as the X-ray current was increased using the CdTe and the ECPC pixel. As a result, the ECPC pixel dramatically reduced the energy spectrum distortion at 2 Mphotons/pixel/s when compared to that of the ERCP pixel with the same 500 nsec PPT.

Трансплантация аутологичных клеток стромально-васкулярной фракции жировой ткани при тяжелых местных лучевых поражениях кожи, вызванных действием рентгеновского излучения

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of autologous cells of stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue in severe local radiation skin injuries after the
 exposure of rats to X-rays.
 Material and methods: Experiments were performed on Wistar rats, weighing 200–230 g. Rats were exposed locally in iliolumbar region using X-ray
 machine LNC-268 (RAP 100-10) at a dose of 110 Gy (30 kV tube voltage, current 6.1 mA, thick Al filter 0.1 mm), dose rate: 17.34 Gy/min. Area of the
 irradiation field was 8.2–8.5 cm2. Transplantation of autologous cells of stromal vascular fraction (SVFC) of adipose tissue was carried out on 21st or 35th
 days after irradiation. SVFC isolation was performed by means of enzymatic treatment of adipose tissue. SVFC suspension was administered subcutaneously
 at a dose of 1×106 cells per injection around the radiation ulcers.The severity of radiation damage to the skin and the effects of cellular therapy were evaluated
 in the dynamics of clinical manifestations, with the help of plane geometry and pathomorphometry.
 Results: It was found that by the 17–25th day after irradiation radiation ulcers were formedon rat skin. In the control group of animalsulcers persisted
 throughout the observation period of more than 3 months. The area of ulcers was 1,87 ± 0,35 cm2 and 1.52 ± 0.24 cm2 at 83th and 90th days after irradiation,
 respectively. In animals of the experimental group, with autologous stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue, was significant decrease in ulceration the
 area in comparison to control animals. In 80 % of the rats treated with SVFC on 21st day after exposure, to the 90th day after irradiation complete healing
 of ulcers occurred with the formation of atrophic scar at the site of radiation injuries. These clinical observations and planimetric were correlated with the
 results of histomorphometry.
 Conclusion: Transplantation autologous SVFC of adipose tissue contributes to accelerate the healing of radiation ulcers after local x-ray exposure in the
 experiment, indicating that the prospects of using adipose tissue cell products for the treatment of severe local radiation injuries.

Towards standardization of x-ray beam filters in digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis: Monte Carlo simulations and analytical modelling

In digital breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography, the x-ray beam filter material and thickness vary between systems. Replacing K-edge filters with Al was investigated with the intent to reduce exposure duration and to simplify system design. Tungsten target x-ray spectra were simulated with K-edge filters (50 µm Rh; 50 µm Ag) and Al filters of varying thickness. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to quantify the x-ray scatter from various filters alone, scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) with compressed breasts, and to determine the radiation dose to the breast. These data were used to analytically compute the signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) at unit (1 mGy) mean glandular dose (MGD) for W/Rh and W/Ag spectra. At SDNR matched between K-edge and Al filtered spectra, the reductions in exposure duration and MGD were quantified for three strategies: (i) fixed Al thickness and matched tube potential in kilovolts (kV); (ii) fixed Al thickness and varying the kV to match the half-value layer (HVL) between Al and K-edge filtered spectra; and, (iii) matched kV and varying the Al thickness to match the HVL between Al and K-edge filtered spectra. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the SPR with and without the breast were not different between Al and K-edge filters. Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 µm) and kV matched to K-edge filtered spectra, identical SDNR was achieved with 37–57% reduction in exposure duration and with 2–20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 µm) and HVL matched by increasing the kV over (0,4) range, identical SDNR was achieved with 62–65% decrease in exposure duration and with 2–24% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. For kV and HVL matched to K-edge filtered spectra by varying Al filter thickness over (700, 880) µm range, identical SDNR was achieved with 23–56% reduction in exposure duration and 2–20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. These simulations indicate that increased fluence with Al filter of fixed or variable thickness substantially decreases exposure duration while providing for similar image quality with moderate reduction in MGD.

WE‐DE‐207B‐08: Towards Standardization of X‐Ray Filters in Digital Mammography‐Enabled Breast Tomosynthesis Systems

Purpose:In digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems capable of digital mammography (DM), Al filters are used during DBT and K‐edge filters during DM. The potential for standardizing the x‐ray filters with Al, instead of K‐edge filters, was investigated with intent to reduce exposure duration and to promote a simpler system design.Methods:Analytical computations of the half‐value thickness (HVT) and the photon fluence per mAs (photons/mm2/mAs) for K‐edge filters (50µm Rh; 50µm Ag) were compared with Al filters of varying thickness. Two strategies for matching the HVT from K‐edge and Al filtered spectra were investigated: varying the kVp for fixed Al thickness, or varying the Al thickness at matched kVp. For both strategies, Al filters were an order of magnitude thicker than K‐edge filters. Hence, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted with the GEANT4 toolkit to determine if the scatter‐to‐primary ratio (SPR) and the point spread function of scatter (scatter PSF) differed between Al and K‐edge filters.Results:Results show the potential for replacing currently used Kedge filters with Al. For fixed Al thickness (700µm), ±1 kVp and +(1–3) kVp change, matched HVT of Rh and Ag filtered spectra. At matched kVp, Al thickness range (650,750)µm and (750,860)µm matched the HVT from Rh and Ag filtered spectra. Photon fluence/mAs with Al filters were 1.5–2.5 times higher, depending on kVp and Al thickness, compared to K‐edge filters. Although Al thickness was an order higher than K‐edge filters, neither the SPR nor the scatter PSF differed from K‐edge filters.Conclusion:The use of Al filters for digital mammography is potentially feasible. The increased fluence/mAs with Al could decrease exposure duration for the combined DBT+DM exam and simplify system design. Effect of x‐ray spectrum change due to Al filtration on radiation dose, signal, noise, contrast and related metrics are being investigated.Funding support: Supported in part by NIH R21CA176470 and R01CA195512. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not reflect the official views of the NIH or NCI.

SU‐F‐I‐69: Absorbed Dose Estimation for a Commercially Available MicroCT Scanner with Various Filtration Techniques

Purpose:To quantify the simulated mean absorbed dose per technique (cGy/mAs) from a commercially available microCT scanner using various filtration techniques.Methods:Monte Carlo simulations using the Geant4 toolkit (version 10) was used utilizing the standard electromagnetic physics model. The Quantum FX microCT scanner (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA) was modeled incorporating measured energy spectra and spatial dimensions of nominal source‐to‐object (SOD) distances. The energy distribution was measured using a spectrometer (X‐123CdTe, Amptek Inc., Bedford, USA) for the 90 kVp X‐ray beams with various filters (including no filter, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm Al and 0.2 mm Cu + 2.5 mm Al). The SOD was set to 154 mm, 104 mm, and 52 mm. A total of 10 million incident particles were processed per simulation. Cutout value was set to 0.1 mm for both photon and electron. The mean dose absorbed (cGy/per incident particle) in a PMMA phantom (length of 2 cm and radius of 3 cm) were recorded. Exposure measurements were taken using a Radcal 9095 system with a protocol of 90 kVp, 200 µA, and ∼12 s beam‐On time for the various filters.Results:The mean absorbed dose per mAs for various filtrations and different SOD setups indicated that the dose decreased as the SOD increased and as the amount of filtration increased. For a given SOD, the dose was reduced by as much as ∼13.7% by varying the filter (from 0.2 mm Cu + 2.5 mm Al to no filter). The maximum dose was found to be 0.39 cGy/mAs (SOD of 5.196 cm, no filter) while the minimum dose value was 0.077 cGy/mAs (SOD of 15.4 cm, .2mm Cu + 2mm Al filter).Conclusion:This study estimates easily the mean dose for objects scanned with a microCT scanner with different filtration.

TU-FG-209-03: Exploring the Maximum Count Rate Capabilities of Photon Counting Arrays Based On Polycrystalline Silicon

Purpose: Photon counting arrays (PCAs) offer several advantages over conventional, fluence-integrating x-ray imagers, such as improved contrast by means of energy windowing. For that reason, we are exploring the feasibility and performance of PCA pixel circuitry based on polycrystalline silicon. This material, unlike the crystalline silicon commonly used in photon counting detectors, lends itself toward the economic manufacture of radiation tolerant, monolithic large area (e.g., ∼43×43 cm2) devices. In this presentation, exploration of maximum count rate, a critical performance parameter for such devices, is reported. Methods: Count rate performance for a variety of pixel circuit designs was explored through detailed circuit simulations over a wide range of parameters (including pixel pitch and operating conditions) with the additional goal of preserving good energy resolution. The count rate simulations assume input events corresponding to a 72 kVp x-ray spectrum with 20 mm Al filtration interacting with a CZT detector at various input flux rates. Output count rates are determined at various photon energy threshold levels, and the percentage of counts lost (e.g., due to deadtime or pile-up) is calculated from the ratio of output to input counts. The energy resolution simulations involve thermal and flicker noise originating from each circuit element in a design. Results: Circuit designs compatible with pixel pitches ranging from 250 to 1000 µm that allow count rates over a megacount per second per pixel appear feasible. Such rates are expected to be suitable for radiographic and fluoroscopic imaging. Results for the analog front-end circuitry of the pixels show that acceptable energy resolution can also be achieved. Conclusion: PCAs created using polycrystalline silicon have the potential to offer monolithic large-area detectors with count rate performance comparable to those of crystalline silicon detectors. Further improvement through detailed circuit simulations and prototyping is expected. Partially supported by NIH grant R01-EB000558. This work was partially supported by NIH grant no. R01-EB000558.

X-ray spectra and doses

Using the Monte Carlo method the x-ray spectrum produced by 150keV electrons colliding with W, Rh and Mo targets were calculated. The x-ray spectra were calculated to 20, 50, and 100cm from the focal point. In order to analyze the effect of the filter, calculations were carried out with and without filter. The spectra were used to estimate the Kerma in air, the Ambient dose equivalent, and the Personal dose equivalent. The spectra were integrated in energy to obtain the total photon fluences. Calculated spectra depend on the type of target having the continuous spectrum due to bremsstrahlung and the characteristics x-rays. The Al filter eliminates the low-energy photons; however no effect is noticed when the photon energy is larger than 40keV. The largest effect of dose reduction due to the filter was noticed to 20cm for the Kerma in air.

Reducing radiation dose by application of optimized low-energy x-ray filters to K-edge imaging with a photon counting detector

K-edge imaging with photon counting x-ray detectors (PCXDs) can improve image quality compared with conventional energy integrating detectors. However, low-energy x-ray photons below the K-edge absorption energy of a target material do not contribute to image formation in the K-edge imaging and are likely to be completely absorbed by an object. In this study, we applied x-ray filters to the K-edge imaging with a PCXD based on cadmium zinc telluride for reducing radiation dose induced by low-energy x-ray photons. We used aluminum (Al) filters with different thicknesses as the low-energy x-ray filters and implemented the iodine K-edge imaging with an energy bin of 34–48 keV at the tube voltages of 50, 70 and 90 kVp. The effects of the low-energy x-ray filters on the K-edge imaging were investigated with respect to signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and figure of merit (FOM). The highest value of SDNR was observed in the K-edge imaging with a 2 mm Al filter, and the SDNR decreased as a function of the filter thicknesses. Compared to the K-edge imaging with a 2 mm Al filter, the ESAK was reduced by 66%, 48% and 39% in the K-edge imaging with a 12 mm Al filter for 50 kVp, 70 kVp and 90 kVp, respectively. The FOM values, which took into account the ESAK and SDNR, were maximized for 8, 6 to 8 and 4 mm Al filters at 50 kVp, 70 kVp and 90 kVp, respectively. We concluded that the use of an optimal low-energy filter thickness, which was determined by maximizing the FOM, could significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining image quality in the K-edge imaging with the PCXD.

Simplified method for creating a density-absorbed dose calibration curve for the low dose range from Gafchromic EBT3 film.

Radiochromic film dosimeters have a disadvantage in comparison with an ionization chamber in that the dosimetry process is time-consuming for creating a density-absorbed dose calibration curve. The purpose of this study was the development of a simplified method of creating a density-absorbed dose calibration curve from radiochromic film within a short time. This simplified method was performed using Gafchromic EBT3 film with a low energy dependence and step-shaped Al filter. The simplified method was compared with the standard method. The density-absorbed dose calibration curves created using the simplified and standard methods exhibited approximately similar straight lines, and the gradients of the density-absorbed dose calibration curves were −32.336 and −33.746, respectively. The simplified method can obtain calibration curves within a much shorter time compared to the standard method. It is considered that the simplified method for EBT3 film offers a more time-efficient means of determining the density-absorbed dose calibration curve within a low absorbed dose range such as the diagnostic range.

Low dose high energy x-ray in-line phase sensitive imaging prototype: Investigation of optimal geometric conditions and design parameters.

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of a high energy in-line phase sensitive x-ray imaging prototype under different geometric and operating conditions for mammography application. A phase retrieval algorithm based on phase attenuation duality (PAD) was applied to the phase contrast images acquired by the prototype. Imaging performance was investigated at four magnification values of 1.67, 2, 2.5 and 3 using an acrylic edge, an American College of Radiology (ACR) mammography phantom and contrast detail (CD) phantom with tube potentials of 100, 120 and 140 kVp. The ACR and CD images were acquired at the same mean glandular dose (MGD) of 1.29 mGy with a computed radiography (CR) detector of 43.75 μm pixel pitch at a fixed source to image distance (SID) of 170 cm. The x-ray tube focal spot size was kept constant as 7 μm while a 2.5 mm thick aluminum (Al) filter was used for beam hardening. The performance of phase contrast and phase retrieved images were compared with computer simulations based on the relative phase contrast factor (RPF) at high x-ray energies. The imaging results showed that the x-ray tube operated at 100 kVp under the magnification of 2.5 exhibits superior imaging performance which is in accordance to the computer simulations. As compared to the phase contrast images, the phase retrieved images of the ACR and CD phantoms demonstrated improved imaging contrast and target discrimination. We compared the CD phantom images acquired in conventional contact mode with and without the anti-scatter grid using the same prototype at 1.295 mGy and 2.59 mGy using 40 kVp, a 25 μm rhodium (Rh) filter. At the same radiation dose, the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for both the large and small discs, while compared to the double dose image acquired in conventional mode, the observer study also indicated that the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for the large discs. This study therefore validates the potential of using high energy phase contrast x-ray imaging to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose for clinical applications such as mammography.

Calibration of windowless photodiode for extreme ultraviolet pulse energy measurement.

For energy measurement of extreme ultraviolet pulses, no universal commercially available device is available. Therefore, a co-axial setup of a vacuum photodiode was developed and tested. First its unsuccessful calibration at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (USA) is mentioned. Then our own single-wavelength (46.9nm) calibration procedure is described in detail. It is based on tabulated photoemission efficiency and on measured (1)anode collection efficiency, (2)attenuation of Al filters, and (3)attenuation of measuring cables. Some other relevant attenuating factors are also taken into account.

복합부가여과에서 알루미늄 여과판 사용 시 양자검출효율과 화질평가를 통한 효율성 분석

본 연구는 복합부가여과에서 높은 원자번호 물질에서 발생된 특성방사선을 제거하기 위해 사용되는 알루미늄 여과판의 효율성을 분석하고자 양자검출효율, 화질평가를 실시하였다. 구리 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm 에 알루미늄 1mm 사용 전, 후를 평가하였다. IEC 규정에 의해 선질, 양자검출효율을 실험하고 화질평가는 PSNR, MAE, MSE, CNR, SNR 정성적 평가로는 국가암검진 흉부 평가표의 해상, 대조도 평가 7문항을 이용하였다. MTF 10, 50%에서 4.6, 2.54 cycle/mm 모두 동일했고 NPS, DQE, PSNR MAE, MSE, CNR, SNR, 정성적 평가는 모두 알루미늄 미사용 시 같거나 약간 우수했다. PSNR은 30 dB이상으로 모두 의미있는 수치였고 정성적 평가에서 T-test 검정은 p>0.05였다. 알루미늄 여과판은 광자검출효율과 화질 평가에서 사용 전, 후 큰 차이가 없으므로 특성 방사선 제거를 통한 피부선량 감소를 위해 사용됨이 효율적이라고 사료된다. This study analysed the effectiveness of aluminium(Al) filter in the added compound filtration for the removal of characteristic radiation from high atomic number material by DQE and image evaluation. 1mm Al was applied to each 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm copper and befere and after use were evaluated. Beam quality and DQE were tested by IEC regulations and image quality was evaluated by PSNR, MAE, MSE, CNR, SNR and qualitative analysis was performed by 7 items for resolution and contrast from chest x-ray criteria of national cancer checkup. MTF 10 and 50% were the same by 4.6, 2.54 cycle/mm and NPS, DQE, PSNR MAE, MSE, CNR, SNR and qualitative analysis were all the same or slightly better when Al was not used. PSNR is over 30dB and all significant and at the qualitative analysis, the p-value of t-test was over 0.05. The DQE and image quality evaluation have little difference between before and after use of Al filter and it is effective to use the Al filter for the reduction of skin dose by removal of characteristic radiation.

Contrast to Noise Ratio and Contrast Detail Analysis in Mammography:A Monte Carlo Study

The mammographic spectrum is one of the major factors affecting image quality in mammography. In this study, a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation model was used to evaluate image quality characteristics of various mammographic spectra. The anode/filter combinations evaluated, were those traditionally used in mammography, for tube voltages between 26 and 30 kVp. The imaging performance was investigated in terms of Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) and Contrast Detail (CD) analysis, by involving human observers, utilizing a mathematical CD phantom. Soft spectra provided the best characteristics in terms of both CNR and CD scores, while tube voltage had a limited effect. W-anode spectra filtered with k-edge filters demonstrated an improved performance, that sometimes was better compared to softer x-ray spectra, produced by Mo or Rh anode. Regarding the filter material, k-edge filters showed superior performance compared to Al filters.

Evaluation of the medical and occupational shielding in cerebral angiography using Monte Carlo simulations and virtual anthropomorphic phantoms

Abstract Cerebral angiography exams may provide valuable diagnostic information for the patients with suspect of cerebral diseases, but it may also deliver high doses of radiation to the patients and medical staff. In order to evaluate the medical and occupational expositions from different irradiation conditions, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed. Virtual anthropomorphic phantoms (MASH) were used to represent the patient and the physician inside a typical fluoroscopy room, also simulated in details, incorporated in the MCNPX 2.7.0 MC code. The evaluation was carried out by means of dose conversion coefficients (CCs) for equivalent (H) and effective (E) doses normalized by the air kerma-area product (KAP). The CCs for the surface entrance dose of the patient (ESD) and equivalent dose for the eyes of the medical staff were determined, because CA exams present higher risks for those organs. The tube voltage was 80 kVp, and Al filters with thicknesses of 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm were positioned in the beams. Two projections were simulated: posterior–anterior (PA) and right-lateral (RLAT). In all situations there was an increase of the CC values with the increase of the Al filtration. The highest dose was obtained for a RLAT projection with a 4.0 mm Al filter. In this projection, the ESD/KAP and E/KAP values to patient were 11 (14%) mGy/Gy cm 2 and 0.12 (0.1%) mSv/Gy cm 2 , respectively. For the physician, the use of shield lead glass suspended and lead curtain attached to the surgical table resulted in a significant reduction of the CCs. The use of MC simulations proved to be a very important tool in radiation protection dosimetry, and specifically in this study several parameters could be evaluated, which would not be possible experimentally.

Confocal micro‐XRF analysis of light elements with Rh X‐ray tube and its application for painted steel sheet

A confocal micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument with a vacuum chamber was applied for analysis of light elements for painted steel sheet. Because this instrument is equipped with a Rh‐anode X‐ray tube, light elements are excited more effectively by the Rh‐L lines. However, it was difficult to analyze Cl, because the energies of the Cl‐K lines are close to those of the Rh‐L lines. Thus, we applied an Al thin film as a primary X‐ray filter to eliminate the Rh‐L lines and confirmed the feasibility of Cl analysis using a Rh X‐ray tube. Rh‐L scattered X‐rays were observed by using an acrylic plate as a sample. The Rh‐L scattered X‐rays were completely absorbed by a 24 µm thick Al filter. A calibration curve of Cl was prepared by using certified reference materials with different Cl concentrations. The limit of detection for Cl was 11.9 ppm as estimated from the calibration curve. Confocal micro‐XRF with a Rh X‐ray tube enables the analysis of low Z elements including Cl by applying an Al filter. This technique was applied for a practical painted steel sheet sample. The elemental image of Cl was successfully observed after corrosion in NaCl solution as well as other light elemental maps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On image quality metrics and the usefulness of grids in digital mammography.

Antiscatter grids are used in digital mammography to reduce the scattered radiation from the breast and improve image contrast. They are, however, imperfect and lead to partial absorption of primary radiation, as well as failing to absorb all scattered radiation. Nevertheless, the general consensus has been that antiscatter grids improve image quality for the majority of breast types and sizes. There is, however, inconsistency in the literature, and recent results show that a substantial image quality improvement can be achieved even for thick breasts if the grid is disposed of. The purpose of this study was to investigate if differences in the considered imaging task and experimental setup could explain the different outcomes. We estimated the dose reduction that can be achieved if the grid were to be removed as a function of breast thickness with varying geometries and experimental conditions. Image quality was quantified by the signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) measured using an aluminum (Al) filter on blocks of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and images were acquired with and without grid at a constant exposure. We also used a theoretical model validated with Monte Carlo simulations. Both theoretically and experimentally, the main finding was that when a large [Formula: see text] Al filter was used, the SDNR values for the gridless images were overestimated up to 25% compared to the values for the small [Formula: see text] filter, and gridless imaging was superior for any PMMA thickness. For the small Al filter, gridless imaging was only superior for PMMAs thinner than 4cm. This discrepancy can be explained by a different sensitivity to and sampling of the angular scatter spread function, depending on the size of the contrast object. The experimental differences were eliminated either by using a smaller region of interest close to the edge of the large filter or by applying a technique of scatter correction by subtracting the estimated scatter image. These results explain the different conclusions reported in the literature and show the importance of the selection of measurement methods. Since the interesting structures in mammography are below the 1-cm scale, we advocate the use of smaller contrast objects for assessment of antiscatter grid performance.