Diagnostic X-ray Beams Research Articles

Evaluation of the measurement accuracy and uncertainty of a solid-state detector under diagnostic x-ray beam conditions.

An accurate measurement of x-ray beams is expected to reduce the uncertainties associated with estimating radiation risk to patients in clinical settings. To perform assessment tasks based on the readings of a solid-state detector (SSD) using semiconductor technology, the characteristics of the detector should be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the measurement accuracy of a new SSD under diagnostic x-ray beam conditions in terms of air kerma, tube voltage, and half-value layer (HVL). The performance of the SSD was then compared with those of reference instruments. The tube voltage was varied within the range of 50-120kV in steps of 10kV and the thickness and materials of additional filters were concurrently changed (several combinations were tested). In addition, the dose rate and energy dependence of the SSD were also investigated. These effects were analyzed based on statistical significance tests. Furthermore, the expanded uncertainties in the series of measurements were meticulously calculated. The results showed average relative differences of -3.26±1.33%, 0.44±1.01%, and -2.60±3.31% for air kerma, tube voltage, and HVL, respectively. Furthermore, air kerma did not exhibit any dependence on dose rate and energy, in contrast to tube voltage and HVL measurements. The measurement values of the SSD fall within the acceptable range of uncertainty, highlighting its measurement accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, based on the characteristics elucidated by this study, valuable insights are provided concerning the assurance of appropriate measurement values in clinical settings.

An electronic dosimeter for diagnostic X-ray beams based on a differential amplifier circuit with MOSFETs

An electronic dosimeter for diagnostic X-ray beams based on a differential amplifier circuit with MOSFETs

Thermoluminescent response of LaAlO3:Pr3+ under X-ray beams effect

Thermoluminescent (TL) dosimeters are the most used, since they can store information, due to exposure to radiation. Rare earth doped lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) ceramic has attracted great attention in recent years for many applications because it shows excellent properties such as thermal stability, color light emission as well as high thermoluminescent intensity. In the present work, TL glow curve under diagnostic X-ray beam was obtained. According to the literature, procedures in interventional cardiology are Thermoluminescent glow curve was analyzed using a Harshaw 3500 TL reader coupled to a personal computer for storage information and future analysis. For irradiation processes was used a diagnostic X-ray source Siemens 256-slice computed tomography (CT) Somaton drive model. TL response of trivalent praseodymium doped lanthanum aluminate as a function of dopant concentration was increasing as concentrations of Pr3+ ion in LaAlO3 was increased. The increase in TL glow peak sensitivity was increased up to 2 % concentration of Pr3+ ion. This TL glow curve exhibited a broad peak centered at 190°C and little shoulder which is consider as the second peak centered at 260°C respectively. The nature of the glow curve form in samples is attributed to at least one type of the trap with relates at least one type of the defect. After experimental results LaAlO3:Pr3+ can be used as thermoluminescent material for diagnostic X-ray beams measurements.

The comparison of a thin-film ZnO nanodevice with silicon-based electronic devices for diagnostic X-ray beam detection

Radiation detector devices are of fundamental importance for diagnosing diseases and helping to choose the most appropriate medical treatment. Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films are not usually applied as X-ray photon sensors; however, this study intends to present potential results that enable its application for medical diagnostic use. The damage of the ionizing radiation in typical electronic components (such as transistors) occurs due to the defects generated either in the semiconductor crystal or in the insulating oxide layer, which compromises their long-term use as X-ray detectors. This study also provides some comparisons between the proposed ZnO nanodevice and other semiconductor devices, including photodiode, phototransistor, bipolar junction transistor (BJT), and MOSFET. Based on these comparisons, some advantages and disadvantages of using ZnO thin film will be discussed. Basically, it can be summarized that, although the other semiconductor devices produced a higher intense response, the innovative ZnO thin film-based device presented interesting results that make it promising for radiation detection applications. Furthermore, it has advantages such as superior physical resistance and radiation hardness when compared to ionization chambers and transistor-type devices, respectively.

An Overview on Bipolar Junction Transistor as a Sensor for X-ray Beams Used in Medical Diagnosis.

Although not manufactured to be used under X-ray photons, the commercial bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is an electronic device that can be used as an ionizing radiation sensor. In this article an overview on the BJT and its principle of operation were made for the purpose of better understanding how such a semiconductor device behaves when under diagnostic X-ray beam. Therefore, it addresses some topics such as the structure of the device, the bias configuration when operating in active mode, and so on. Even knowing that the most complete theory to describe the “transistor effect” is based on quantum theory (the energy band theory of solids), here it is preferable to take a simpler experimental approach to clearly understand the operation of the BJT. In electronics, the BJT is used as a current amplifier, and depending on the bias and point of view it also becomes a voltage amplifier. In the analysis of BJT under an X-ray beam, in addition to its operation as a sensor to measure the dose or some diagnostic X-ray tube parameter, it has also led to technological innovation in the technique of digital data storage based on the effect of radiation.

A MOSFET-Based Method for Measuring Peak Kilovoltage (kVp) in Diagnostic X-Ray Beams

Peak kilovoltage (kVp) is an X-ray tube parameter that can influence the radiograph image quality and therefore, if the kVp is different from the nominal value, it can provide an unnecessary radiation dose to the patient if the examination has to be repeated. Therefore, some radiation protection institutions and health organizations (ICRP, IAEA) make recommendations to monitor kVp in medical diagnostic X-ray equipment in clinics and hospitals. There are some methods for measuring kVp in diagnostic X-ray beams, and the most common is the well-known two-sensor method, which uses two filters to attenuate the radiation beam, and it is based on the measurement of each identical sensor. The purpose of this article is to present a method for non-invasive measurement of kVp in medical diagnostic X-ray beams using the MOSFET device. Actually, MOSFET is well known as a detector for ionizing radiation dosimetry mainly in radiotherapy beams. Recently, MOSFET has also been used as dosimeter in diagnostic X-ray beams. In this work it will be shown a kVp measurement technique with MOSFET, which does not use the attenuation factor of the radiation filters, but instead takes advantage of the effect of the device package itself, known as the buildup cap effect. The results show that even with damage to the device exposed to radiation, MOSFET can be used as sensor for kVp measurement.

Development and characterization of an LED-based detector for dosimetry in diagnostic radiology

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could be a potential dosimetry candidate because they are radiation hard, spectrally selective, direct band gap, and low-cost devices. Thus, an LED-based detector prototype was designed and characterized for dosimetry. A 20 × 20 cm2 array of surface mount device LED chips was sandwiched in photovoltaic mode between two intensifying screens to form a dosimetric system. The system was enclosed in a light-tight air cavity using black vinyl tape. The screens converted diagnostic x-ray beams into fluorescent blue light. LEDs, applied in detector mode, converted the fluorescent light into radiation-induced currents. A digital multimeter converted the analog currents into digital voltage signals. Prototype characterization was executed using (a) IEC 61267’s RQR 7 (90 kVp) and RQR 8 (100 kVp) beam qualities, and (b) low (25 mAs) and high (80 mAs) beam quantities. A standard dosimeter probe was simultaneously exposed with the prototype to measure the prototype’s absorbed dose. In all exposures, the x-ray beams were perpendicularly incident on both the dosimeter and prototype, at a fixed source to detector distance-60 cm. The LED array prototype’s minimum detectable dose was 0.139 mGy, and the maximum dose implemented herein was ∼13 mGy. The prototype was 99.18% and 98.64% linearly sensitive to absorbed dose and tube current–time product (mAs), respectively. The system was ±4.69% energy, ±6.8% dose, and ±7.7% dose rate dependent. Two prototype data sets were 89.93% repeatable. We fabricated an ultrathin (5 mm), lightweight (130 g), and a relatively low-cost LED-based dosimetric prototype. The prototype executed a simple, efficient, and accurate real-time dosimetric mechanism. It could thus be an alternative to the current passive dosimetric systems.

Monte Carlo determination of a nanoDot OSLD response using quality index for diagnostic kilovoltage X-ray beams.

This study aims to investigate the energy response of an optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter known as nanoDot for diagnostic kilovoltage X-ray beams via Monte Carlo calculations. The nanoDot response is calculated as a function of X-ray beam quality in free air and on a water phantom surface using Monte Carlo simulations. The X-ray fluence spectra are classified using the quality index (QI), which is defined as the ratio of the effective energy to the maximum energy of the photons. The response is calculated for X-ray fluence spectra with QIs of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 with tube voltages of 50-137.6kVp and monoenergetic photon beams. The surface dose estimated using the calculated response is verified by comparing it with that measured using an ionization chamber. The nanoDot response in free air for monoenergetic photon beams (QI=1.0) varies significantly at photon energies below 100keV and reaches a factor of 3.6 at 25-30keV. The response differs by up to approximately 6% between QIs of 0.4 and 0.6 for the same half-value layer (HVL). The response at the phantom surface decreases slightly owing to the backscatter effect, and it is almost independent of the field size. The agreement between the surface dose estimated using the nanoDot and that measured using the ionization chamber for assessing X-ray beam qualities is less than 2%. The nanoDot response is indicated as a function of HVL for the specified QIs, and it enables the direct surface dose measurement.

Determination of the surface dose of a water phantom using a semiconductor detector for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams.

To determine the surface dose of a water phantom using a semiconductor detector for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams. An AGMS-DM+semiconductor detector was calibrated in terms of air kerma measured with an ionization chamber. Air kerma was measured for 20 x-ray beams with tube voltages of 50-140 kVp and a half-value layer (HVL) of 2.2-9.7mm Al for given quality index (QI) values of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6, and converted to the surface dose. Finally, the air kerma and HVL measured by the AGMS-DM+detector were expressed as a ratio of the surface dose for 10×10 and 20×20cm2 fields. The ratio of both was represented as a function of HVL for the given QI values and verified by comparing it with that calculated using the Monte Carlo method. The air kerma calibration factor, CF, for the AGMS-DM+detector ranged from 0.986 to 1.016 (0.9% in k=1). The CF values were almost independent of the x-ray fluence spectra for the given QI values. The ratio of the surface dose to the air kerma determined by the PTW 30,013 chamber and the AGMS-DM+detector was less than 1.8% for the values calculated using the Monte Carlo method, and showed a good correlation with the HVL for the given QI values. It is possible to determine the surface dose of a water phantom from the air kerma and HVL measured by a semiconductor detector for given QI values.

Energy response of radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams.

This study aimed to investigate the energy response of a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RGD) for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams by Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and measurements. The uniformity and reproducibility of GD-352M (with Sn filter) and GD-302M (no filter) were tested with 45 RGDs in free air. Subsequently, the RGD response was obtained as a function of an Al-HVL using the parameter, quality index (QI), which is defined as the ratio of the effective energy (keV) to the maximum energy (keV) of the photons. The x-ray fluence spectra with QI of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 were set for tube voltages of 50~137.6 kVp. The RGD response was calculated in free air using the MC method and verified by the air kerma, Kair, measured using an ionization chamber. The uniformity and reproducibility of the 45 RGDs were±2.3% and±2.7% for GD-352M and±0.7% and±1.6% for GD-302M at the one standard deviation level, respectively. The calculated RGD response was 0.965 to 1.062 at Al-HVL 2.73mm or more for GD-352M and varied from 3.9 to 2.8 for GD-302M. Both RGD responses exhibited a good correlation with the Al-HVL for the given QI. Kair measured by RGDs for each beam quality with a QI of 0.5 was in the range of -5%~0.8% for GD-352M and -1.8%~3% for GD-302M, relative to the chamber measurements. The RGD response was indicated as a function of the Al-HVL for the given QI, and it presented a good correlation with the Al-HVL.

Determination of backscatter factors based on the quality index for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between backscatter factors and Al-half-value-layers (Al-HVL) by making the quality index (QI) a parameter for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams. Backscatter factors, Bw, for x-ray fluence spectra were calculated from the weighted average of Bw for monoenergetic photons of between 8 and 140keV with field sizes of 10cm×10cm to 40cm×40cm. The value of Bw for monoenergetic photons was calculated from the ratio of the water kerma at the surface of a water phantom and that at the same point free-in-air using the EGSnrc/cavity code. The weighted averaged backscatter factors were validated by comparing them with those of direct Monte Carlo calculations for the x-ray fluence spectra. The Bw for the x-ray fluence spectra were classified by a QI of 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 specified by the ratio of the effective energy and maximum energy. The relationship between Bw and Al-HVL was evaluated for the given QI values. The x-ray fluence spectra were generated for tube voltages of 40-140 kVp with Al-HVLs of 0.5-13.2mm using the SpekCalc program. The weighted averaged backscatter factors for x-ray fluence spectra agreed within 0.7% with those of the direct Monte Carlo calculations. The backscatter factors were represented by the fitting curves of R2>0.99 with Al-HVL for the given QI values. It is possible to obtain Bw more accurately by using QI specified by the measured Al-HVL.

Methodology adopted to establish diagnostic X-ray beam qualities

Methodology adopted to establish diagnostic X-ray beam qualities

Diagnostic x-ray dosimeters using standard float zone (FZ) and XRA-50 commercial diodes

The results obtained with a standard float zone (FZ) silicon diode, processed at the Helsinki Institute of Physics, used as on-line diagnostic X-ray dosimeter are described in this work. The device was connected in the short-circuit current mode to the input of an integrating electrometer. The response repeatability and the current sensitivity coefficient of the diode were measured with diagnostic X-ray beams in the range of 40-80 kV. The dose-response of the device, evaluated from 10 mGy up to 500 mGy, was linear with high charge sensitivity. Nevertheless, significant energy dependence was observed in the charge sensitivity of FZ device for energies below 70 kV. The dosimetric characteristics of this FZ diode were compared to those of an XRA-50 commercial Si diode, specially designed to X-ray dosimetry. The results obtained with the FZ diode evidenced that it can be an alternative choice for diagnostic X-ray dosimetry, although it needs to be calibrated for individual X-ray beam energies. The studies of long-term stability and the radiation hardness of these diodes are under way.

Ionization chamber dosimetry based on 60Co absorbed dose to water calibration for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams

The purpose of this study was to develop a new ionization chamber dosimetry formalism for diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray beams based on a 60Co absorbed dose-to-water calibration coefficient . To validate the new chamber dosimetry, 39 fluence spectra of kilovoltage x-rays were calculated, using a SpekCalc program, for Al half-value-layer (Al-HVL) values of 1.4–8.5 mm and tube voltages of 50–137.6 kVp. We used these spectra to calculate the beam quality conversion factor for kilovoltage x-ray beams Qx to a 60Co beam for a PTW 30013 Farmer® ionization chamber in a reference geometrical setup (depth = 1 cm in water, field size = 20 × 20 cm2). The absorbed dose to water for kilovoltage x-rays was obtained using and . Meanwhile, the water surface dose based on the air kerma calibration coefficient NK was obtained using a Monte Carlo-calculated correction factor CF (corresponding to in AAPM TG-61) for the 39 x-ray fluence spectra. The absorbed dose based on was validated by comparing the water surface dose for the 39 x-ray fluence spectra with the water surface dose based on NK. The water surface dose based on was obtained using Monte Carlo-calculated percentage depth doses. For Al-HVL ranging from 1.4 to 8.5 mm, ranged from 0.884 to 0.956 and CF ranged from 1.264 to 1.663. The water surface dose based on for the x-ray fluence spectra was 1.0% higher on average than that based on NK, except for Al-HVLs of 1.4 and 1.5 mm and 1% was within their uncertainty ranges. Therefore, it is possible to use the absorbed dose-to-water value based on instead of on NK. With the new chamber dosimetry, the chamber reading can be easily converted to the absorbed dose using and the calculated .

Measurement of backscatter factor for kilovoltage x-ray beam using ionization chamber and Gafchromic XR-QA2 film

Backscatter factor (BSF) is an important parameter in the determination of surface dose for kilovoltage X-ray beam. The purpose of this study was to measure the BSF for kilovoltage diagnostic X-ray beam, and compare the measured BSF between Gafchromic XR-QA2 film and shadow free (SFD) ionization chamber (IC). The parameters that may affect the BSF, such as tube voltage (kVp) and field size, were also studied. The results were in good agreement with the TRS 457, with deviation of less than 12 %. Based on the film study, the BSF obtained from the film measurement were found to be lower than that of the IC, with average difference of 26 %. It was also found that smaller field size resulted in lower effective energy, and the amount of photons which scattered back onto the surface were also smaller. This study demonstrated that the Gafchromic XR-QA2 film was not suitable for the application of small field size.

Establishing IAEA TRS-457 diagnostic X-ray beam qualities at the Australian primary standard dosimetry laboratory.

This paper reports the process and findings in establishing the diagnostic beam qualities for the calibration of diagnostic dose meters in the Australian primary standard dosimetry laboratory at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, ARPANSA. A novel iterative method to achieve the RQR beam quality requirements described by IEC 61267 is presented. The correction factors for the primary standard free-air chamber and their uncertainties are reported. The calibration procedure with detailed uncertainty budget of a typical diagnostic ionisation chamber (model PTW 34060) is reported. Beam profile measurements and details of the use of an external monitor chamber (model PTW 34014) are also reported. The uncertainty in the ARPANSA calibration coefficients is estimated to be 1.2% at k = 2 for both RQR and RQA beam qualities. The laboratory is now able to provide calibration services for radiation detectors used in general X-ray radiography.

Reproducibility assessment of commercial optically stimulated luminescence system in diagnostic X-ray beams

This study investigates the reproducibility of commercial optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) system at different X-ray beams in general radiography. The reader stability was evaluated at first and found to be within the accepted tolerance level of ± 10%. Henceforth, reproducibility of OSL dosimeters due to repeated readouts after single exposure were found to be between 1.0% (80 kV/20 mGy) and 5.9% (80 kV/10 mAs), while reproducibility in repeated irradiation of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) from the same batch (80 kV/8 mGy) was between 1.8 and 4.3%. After multiple readouts of OSLD, the OSL signal decreased by approximately − 0.4% per readout and − 5.4% per 10 sequential readouts. The reproducibility response demonstrates the suitability of the nanoDots OSLD for use in radiography.

MO-FG-CAMPUS-IeP1-05: New Ionization Chamber Dosimetry of Absorbed Dose to Water in Diagnostic KV X-Ray Beams

Purpose: To develop new ionization chamber dosimetry of absorbed dose to water in diagnostic kV x-ray beams, by using a beam quality conversion factor, kQ, for Co-60 to kV x-ray and an ionization conversion factor for a water-substitute plastic phantom. Methods: kQ was calculated for aluminum half value-layers (Al-HVLs) of 1.5 mm to 8 mm which were generated by kV x-ray beams of 50 to 120 kVp. Twenty-two energy spectra for ten effective energies (Eeff) were calculated by a SpecCalc program. Depth doses in water were calculated at 5 × 5 to 30 × 30 cm2 fields. Output factors were also obtained from the dose ratio for a 10 × 10 cm2 field. kQ was obtained for a PTW30013 Former ion chamber. In addition, an ionization conversion factor of the PWDT phantom to water was calculated. All calculations were performed with EGSnrc/cavity code and egs_chamber codes. Results: The x-ray beam energies for 1.5 mm to 8 mm Al-HVLs ranged in Eeff of 25.7 to 54.3 keV. kQ for 1.5 mm to 8 mm Al-HVLs were 0.831 to 0.897, at 1 and 2 cm depths for a 10 × 10 cm2 field. Similarly, output factors for 5 × 5 to 30 × 30 cm2 fields were 0.937 to 1.033 for 25.7 keV and 0.857 to 1.168 for 54.3 keV. The depth dose in a PWDT phantom decreased up to 5% compared to that in water at depth of ten percent of maximum dose for 1.5 mm Al-HVL. The ionization ratios of water/PWDT phantoms for the PTW30013 chamber were 1.012 to 1.007 for 1.5 mm to 8 mm Al-HVLs at 1 cm depth. Conclusion: It became possible to directly measure the absorbed dose to water with the ionization chamber in diagnostic kV x-ray beams, by using kQ and the PWDT phantom.

Semi-empirical model for fluorescence lines evaluation in diagnostic x-ray beams

Diagnostic x-ray beams are composed of bremsstrahlung and discrete fluorescence lines. The aim of this study is the development of an efficient model for the evaluation of the fluorescence lines. The most important electron ionization models are analyzed and implemented. The model results were compared with experimental data and with other independent spectra presented in the literature. The implemented peak models allow the discrimination between direct and indirect radiation emitted from tungsten anodes. The comparison with the independent literature spectra indicated a good agreement.

The Calibration and Use of a New Ring-Shaped Ionization Chamber for Monitoring and Dosimetry of X-Ray Beams

Today, dosimeters are used generally for dosimetry of the diagnostic X-ray beam. Ionization chambers are appropriate instruments for monitoring and also the dosimetry of X-ray beam in medical diagnostic equipment. The present work introduces design and investigation of a new ring-shaped monitor chamber with a PMMA body, graphite-coated PMMA windows (0.5 mm thick), a special graphite-foil central electrode (0.1 mm thick, 0.7 g/cm3 dense) that creating two sensitive volumes and a central hole for crossing the radiation beam with less attenuation. The results of performance tests conducted at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI in Karaj- Iran proved the high short and long-term stability, the very low leakage current, the low directional dependence and very high ion collection efficiency through the special design of the collecting electrode. Moreover, the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations certified the negligible effect of central electrode on this new ring-shaped monitor chamber. According to the results of the performance tests, the new monitor chamber can be used as a standard dosimeter in order to monitor X-ray beam in primary standard dosimetry laboratories.