X-ray Tube Spectrum Research Articles

X-ray spectrum estimation from the transmission method using the radioluminescence of an Al2O3:C crystal

The X-ray spectrum of X-ray tube is crucial for radiation dose calculations. Due to the high photon flux, it is difficult to directly measure the primary spectrum of X-ray tube. Transmission measurement is one of indirect method used to determine the primary spectrum of X-ray tube. Although the method is experimentally simple, X-ray spectrum estimation from transmission method is a seriously ill-conditioned problem. In this paper, a new transmission measurement instrument with an the Al2O3:C crystal detector is proposed. Real-time dose rate attenuation data from transmission method are collected by using the radioluminescence(RL) of the Al2O3:C crystal. The expectation-maximization (EM) method is applied for X-ray spectrum estimation from transmission method. The method is demonstrated on typical simulated spectra of 80,100,120,140 and 160 kV from X-ray tubes. The X-ray spectra are simulated with the Monte Carlo code Geant4. The EM method is successfully applied to seriously ill-conditioned and under determined estimation problems. The results showed that the X-ray spectrum estimation method is a robust technique for estimating the primary spectrum of X-ray tube, and that the new instrument for transmission measurements can be used to accurately estimate X-ray spectrum.

Measurement-based Detector Characteristics for Digital Twins in aRTist

Various software products for the simulation of industrial X-ray radiography have been developed in recent years (e.g., aRTist 2, CIVA CT, Scorpius XLab, SimCT, Wilcore) and their application potential has been shown in numerous works. However, full systematic approaches to characterise a specific CT system for these simulation software products to obtain a truthful digital twin are still missing. In this contribution, we want to present two approaches to obtain realistic grey values in X-ray projections in aRTist 2 simulations based on measured projections. In aRTist 2, the displayed grey value of a pixel is based on the energy density incident on that pixel. The energy density is calculated based on the X-ray tube spectrum, the attenuation between source and detector as well as an energy-dependent sensitivity curve of the detector. The first approach presented in this contribution uses the sensitivity curve as a free modelling parameter. We measured the signal response at different thicknesses of Al EN-AW6082 at different tube voltages (i.e., different tube spectra). We then regarded the grey values displayed by these projections as a data regression respectively an optimisation problem and obtained the sensitivity curve that is best able to reproduce the measured behaviour in aRTist 2. The resulting sensitivity curve does not necessarily hold physical meaning but is able to simulate the real system behaviour in the simulation software. The second approach presented in this contribution is to estimate the sensitivity curve based on assumptions about the characteristics of the scintillation detector (e.g., scintillator material, scintillator thickness and signal processing characteristics). For this approach, a linear response function (linear relationship between the deposited energy per pixel and the resulting grey value) is assumed. If the detector characteristics, which affect the simulated deposited energy, are properly modelled, the slope and offset of the response function to match the measured grey values should be the same for different tube spectra. As the offset is constant and given by the grey values measured at no incident radiation, the slope is the remaining parameter to evaluate the success of the detector modelling. We therefore adapted the detector characteristics by changing the detector setup until the slope was nearly the same for all measured tube spectra. We are aware that the resulting parameters of the scintillator material and thickness might not be the real ones, but with those modelling parameters we are able to simulate realistic grey values in aRTist 2. Both of those approaches could potentially be a step forward to a full systematic approach for a digital twin of a real CT system in aRTist 2.

Optimization of parameters for portable X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence combined analysis device (P-XRDF-CAD)

This paper aims to optimize the parameters of a portable device that combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis techniques. By using the same X-ray source and detector, the device enables the simultaneous acquisition of two-dimensional XRD and XRF information from a sample with the advantage of high analysis efficiency and consistency in the measurement points. The equipment and slit materials are discussed, including the selection of the X-ray source (Moxtek MAGNUM) and the detector (Andor CCD camera). We also explore two different slit designs (the bottom-hole and side-hole) and optimize their dimensions using rectangular holes instead of inclined trapezoidal holes. Considering the fluorescence X-rays of the filters in the X-ray tube spectra, a theoretical formula is derived for rapid and accurate calculation. The calculated results are compared with the experimental results of Al and Ni filters, demonstrating good agreement across various tube voltages and filter thicknesses. Furthermore, an XRD/XRF comprehensive analysis platform is established. The effects of tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, and pixel-binning on the single-pixel events of the CCD camera are investigated and can be used to guide the selection of appropriate device parameters. The effects of the frame and tube voltage on the XRD/XRF analysis efficiency are examined for several sample materials, including Al, α-Fe, Zn, and ZrO2(Y2O3).

Learning-based occupational x-ray scatter estimation

Objective. During x-ray-guided interventional procedures, the medical staff is exposed to scattered ionizing radiation caused by the patient. To increase the staff’s awareness of the invisible radiation and monitor dose online, computational scatter estimation methods are convenient. However, such methods are usually based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, which are inherently computationally expensive. Yet, in the interventional environment, immediate feedback to the personnel is desirable. Approach. In this work, we propose deep neural networks to mitigate the computational effort of MC simulations. Our learning-based models consider detailed models of the (outer) patient shape and (inner) anatomy, additional objects in the room, and the x-ray tube spectrum to cover imaging settings encountered in real interventional settings. We investigate two cases of scatter prediction. First, we employ network architectures to estimate the full three-dimensional (3D) scatter distribution. Second, we investigate the prediction of two-dimensional (2D) intensity projections that facilitate the intra-procedural visualization. Main results. Depending on the dimensionality of the estimated scatter distribution and the network architecture, the mean relative error of each network is in the range of 12% and 14% compared to MC simulations. However, 3D scatter distributions can be estimated within 60 ms and 2D distributions within 15 ms. Significance. Overall, our method is suitable to support the online assessment of scattered ionizing radiation in the interventional environment and can help to lower the occupational radiation risk.

Comparison of the X-ray tube spectrum measurement using BGO, NaI, LYSO, and HPGe detectors in a preclinical mini-CT scanner: Monte Carlo simulation and practical experiment

BackgroundIn diagnostic X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, some applications, such as dose measurement using the Monte Carlo method and material decomposition using dual/multi-energy approaches, rely on accurate knowledge of the energy spectrum of the X-ray beam. In this regard, X-ray detectors providing an accurate estimation of the X-ray spectrum could greatly impact the quality of dual/multi-energy CT imaging and patient-specific dosimetry. PurposeThe aim of this study is to estimate the intrinsic efficiency and energy resolution of different types of solid-state gamma-ray detectors in order to generate a precise dual-energy X-ray beam from the conventional x-ray tube using external X-ray filters. Materials and methodsThe X-ray spectrum of a clinical X-ray tube was experimentally measured using a high purity Germanium detector (HPGe) and the obtained spectrum validated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The obtained X-ray spectrum from the experiment was employed to assess the energy resolution and detection efficiency of different inorganic scintillators and semiconductor-based solid-state detectors, namely HPGe, BGO, NaI, and LYSO, using MC simulations. The best performing detector was employed to experimentally create and measure a dual-energy X-ray spectrum through applying attenuating filters to the original X-ray beam. ResultsThe simulation results indicated 9.16% energy resolution for the HPGe detector wherein the full width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of the energy resolution for the HPGe detector was about 1/3rd of the other inorganic detectors. The X-ray spectra estimated from the various source energies exhibited a good agreement between experimental and simulation results with a maximum difference of 6%. Owing to the high-energy discrimination power of the HPGe detector, a dual-energy X-ray spectrum was created and measured from the original X-ray spectrum using 0.5 and 4.5 mm Aluminum external filters, which involves 70 and 140 keV energy peaks with 8% overlap. ConclusionThe experimental measurements and MC simulations of the HPGe detector exhibited close agreement in high-energy resolution estimation of the X-ray spectrum. Given the accurate measurement of the X-ray spectrum with the HPGe detector, a dual-energy X-ray spectrum was generated with minimal energy overlap using external X-ray filters.

Technical Note: SpekPy v2.0—a software toolkit for modeling x‐ray tube spectra

SpekPy is a free toolkit for modeling x-ray tube spectra with the Python programming language. In this article, the advances in version 2.0 (v2) of the software are described, including additional target materials and more accurate modeling of the heel effect. Use of the toolkit is also demonstrated. The predictions of SpekPy are illustrated in comparison to experimentally determined spectra: three radiation quality reference (RQR) series tungsten spectra and one mammography spectrum with a molybdenum target. The capability of the software to correctly model changes in tube output with tube potential is also assessed, using the example of a GE RevolutionTM CT scanner (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA) and specifications in the system's Technical Reference Manual. Furthermore, we note that there are several physics models available in SpekPy. These are compared on and off the central axis, to illustrate the differences. SpekPy agrees closely with the experimental spectra over a wide range of tube potentials, both visually and in terms of first and second half-value layers (HVLs) (within 2% here). The CT scanner spectrum output (normalized to 120kV tube potential) agreed within 4% over the range of 70 to 140kV. The default physics model (casim) is adequate in most situations. The advanced option (kqp) should be used if high accuracy is desired for modeling the anode heel effect, as it fully includes the effects of bremsstrahlung anisotropy. SpekPy v2 can reliably predict on- and off-axis spectra for tungsten and molybdenum targets. SpekPy's open-source MIT license allows users the freedom to incorporate this powerful toolkit into their own projects.

Monte-Carlo-Based Estimation of the X-ray Energy Spectrum for CT Artifact Reduction

Beam hardening and scattering effects can seriously degrade image quality in polychromatic X-ray CT imaging. In recent years, polychromatic image reconstruction techniques and scatter estimation using Monte Carlo simulation have been developed to compensate for beam hardening and scattering CT artifacts, respectively. Both techniques require knowledge of the X-ray tube energy spectrum. In this work, Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the X-ray energy spectrum of FleXCT, a novel prototype industrial micro-CT scanner, enabling beam hardening and scatter reduction for CT experiments. Both source and detector were completely modeled by Monte Carlo simulation. In order to validate the energy spectra obtained via Monte Carlo simulation, they were compared with energy spectra obtained via a second method. Here, energy spectra were calculated from empirical measurements using a step wedge sample, in combination with the Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) method. Good correlation was achieved between both approaches, confirming the correct modeling of the FleXCT system by Monte Carlo simulation. After validation of the modeled FleXCT system through comparing the X-ray spectra for different tube voltages inside the detector, we calculated the X-ray spectrum of the FleXCT X-ray tube, independent of the flat panel detector response, which is a prerequisite for beam hardening and scattering CT artifacts.

A validation of SpekPy: A software toolkit for modelling X-ray tube spectra

PurposeTo validate the SpekPy software toolkit that has been developed to estimate the spectra emitted from tungsten anode X-ray tubes. The model underlying the toolkit introduces improvements upon a well-known semi-empirical model of X-ray emission. Materials and methodsUsing the same theoretical framework as the widely-used SpekCalc software, new electron penetration data was simulated using the Monte Carlo (MC) method, alternative bremsstrahlung cross-sections were applied, L-line characteristic emissions were included, and improvements to numerical methods implemented. The SpekPy toolkit was developed with the Python programming language. The toolkit was validated against other popular X-ray spectrum models (50 to 120 kVp), X-ray spectra estimated with MC (30 to 150 kVp) as well as reference half value layers (HVL) associated with numerous radiation qualities from standard laboratories (20 to 300 kVp). ResultsThe toolkit can be used to estimate X-ray spectra that agree with other popular X-ray spectrum models for typical configurations in diagnostic radiology as well as with MC spectra over a wider range of conditions. The improvements over SpekCalc are most evident at lower incident electron energies for lightly and moderately filtered radiation qualities. Using the toolkit, estimations of the HVL over a large range of standard radiation qualities closely match reference values. ConclusionsA toolkit to estimate X-ray spectra has been developed and extensively validated for central-axis spectra. This toolkit can provide those working in Medical Physics and beyond with a powerful and user-friendly way of estimating spectra from X-ray tubes.

Dual-energy crystal-analyzer scheme for spectral tomography.

In the present work, a method for adjusting a crystal analyzer to separate two characteristic lines from the spectrum of a conventional X-ray tube for simultaneous registration of tomographic projections is proposed. The experimental implementation of this method using radiation of a molybdenum anode (Kα1, Kβ lines) and a silicon Si(111) crystal analyzer in Laue geometry is presented. Projection images at different wavelengths are separated in space and can be recorded independently for further processing. Potential uses of this scheme are briefly discussed.

A wide energy range calibration algorithm for X-ray photon counting pixel detectors using high-Z sensor material

We developed a novel, accurate and robust energy calibration algorithm for single X-ray photon counting detectors suitable for the use of high-Z sensor materials. The calibratable energy range was demonstrated to extend over a wide interval from 12 keV up to 150 keV and the same method can also be applied to lower or higher X-ray energies. Fluorescence lines of several elemental targets are used as reference up to 75 keV. For higher energies, the reference is given by direct X-ray tube spectra end-points — extracted with a semi-empirical model independently of the broadening by electronic noise. The pixel-wise threshold trimming relies on a target curve fitting iterative procedure which is able to cope with offset, gain and flat-field variations. The algorithm is highly parallelizable and can profit from modern multi-core machines. The proposed method is able to deal with the spectral complexity introduced by atomic fluorescence effects arising in high-Z sensor materials such as CdTe, CdZnTe and GaAs for energies above the corresponding K-edges and enhanced by a decreasing pixel size. We report the qualification results for the case study of a 1 mm-thick CdTe sensor with 150 μm pixel size, bonded to an IBEX ASIC and calibrated in the range 12–150 keV. The validity of the method was assessed by analyzing calibrated pulse height spectra recorded with Sn and W fluorescence samples and with a 99mTc radioactive source. The global deviation was found to be smaller than 0.5% at 140.5 keV. The residual threshold dispersion was 0.54 keV rms at the Sn Kα peak and 1.71 keV rms at the 99mTc γ-decay peak, still with a limited impact on the overall energy resolution of the system.

Equalization of Medipix family detector energy thresholds using X-ray tube spectrum high energy cut-off

The Medipix detector family with single photon counting, photon energy discrimination and small pixel size makes it possible to carry out spectral X-ray imaging with high spatial resolution. In these detectors, the energy discrimination is performed independently in each pixel. For a good quality of spectral measurements, it is important that the globally defined energy threshold corresponds to the same energy in each pixel. The possibility of local adjustment of the pixel threshold is implemented by the chip design. In this paper, we present a method for thresholds equalization at an arbitrary energy using the X-ray tube spectrum high energy cut-off as a reference energy point. It is shown that the proposed method reduces the spread of pixel energy thresholds by more than 60 % in the energy range from 15 keV to 55 keV.

Invertibility of the dual energy x-ray data transform.

The Alvarez-Macovski method extracts the x-ray energy-dependent information by expanding the attenuation coefficient as a linear combination of functions of energy multiplied by basis set coefficients. Since the basis functions are known a priori, the coefficients represent all the energy-dependent information. The method then computes the line integrals of these coefficients, summarized as a vector A, from measurements with multiple x-ray spectra, summarized as a vector L. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that affect the invertibility of the L(A) transformation with a two function basis set and two spectral measurements, the dual energy transformation. A general invertibility theorem is applied that requires testing for zero values of the Jacobian of the transformation in its input domain. General conditions for invertibility are proved. It is shown that the generalized A vector noise variance is proportional to the generalized measurement noise variance divided by the square of the Jacobian. The relationship between the zero Jacobian values and ambiguous sets of A vector points with the same L values is determined. The effect of zero Jacobian values on an iterative algorithm that inverts L(A) is simulated. The choice of a particular valid basis set does not affect invertibility. Nonoverlapping measurement spectra such as those from photon counting detectors with perfect pulse height analysis are invertible. The widely used x-ray tube spectra with different voltages are shown to be invertible. Spectra with the same maximum energy, such as those from layered detectors, approach noninvertibility with small absolute value Jacobian for large object thicknesses. The zero Jacobian values fall on curves in A vector space that, except for a simple artificial case, are close to but not exactly straight lines. With noninvertible spectra, pairs of ambiguous points are located on opposite sides of the zero Jacobian curve. The iterative algorithm has large convergence errors near zero Jacobian curves and converges to the closest ambiguous point to the initial estimate for other points. The invertibility of dual energy systems is determined by the presence of zero values of the Jacobian of the dual x-ray energy data transformation L(A) in the input domain.

CT contrast agent evaluation model

Contrast agents have been employed in radiography for more than 80 years and computed tomography (CT) for more than 50 years. These high atomic number agents increase photoelectric interaction thereby reducing photon intensity projected through the contrast agent containing structure to improve image contrast. A wide variety of contrast agents have been examined over the years, however, iodine and barium containing agents make up the majority of applications. Other agents may become available which may find utility due to reduced toxicity, better imaging characteristics or dose reduction. The purpose of this work is to develop a frame work to evaluate current and future CT contrast agents as they apply to CT enhancement of the head including CTA. The model used we have called the CT Contrast Agent Evaluation Model (CAEM) and allows the determination of the minimum effective concentration (MEC). The MEC is that concentration that provides a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of one for a radiation dose of one centigray (cGy). The MEC can be examined as kilovoltage and filtration are varied allowing for optimized combinations. The approach taken in the model was to first compute x-ray tube spectra for the desired kilovoltage/filter combination. Next, projection data was computed through a cylindrical phantom with a central contrast containing target. Noise was applied to projection data based on photon counting. The application of filtered back projection to the noisy projection data could be used to compute a simulated image from which image CNR could be determined. This process was simplified by computing the CNR of the projection data and correcting for propagation of error using an empirically derived correction factor. The radiation exposure in air at the target can be accurately estimated from the computed x-ray spectra and used to determine dose. The computed CNR and dose were validated by direct measure using a clinical scanner.

P052] Influence of X-ray field position on doses in organs and tissues for chest radiography

Purpose We studied how changing of the field position influences the absorbed doses in organs and tissues during chest radiography. Methods The ICRP voxel phantoms were adopted for modelling of chest radiography in posterior-anterior projection. The parts of phantoms that lie inside the beam and scattered radiation region located at the distance of 15 cm from the field edge were taken. The TASMIP model was used for the spectrum of X-ray tube. The following parameters were taken into account: anode voltage, filtration, voltage ripple, the focus-to-detector distance and the field size. Monte-Carlo simulation of X-ray transport within the chosen parts of phantoms was used [1] . At the standard position the center of X-ray field lied 40 cm from the top of the male phantom and 36.8 cm from the top of the female phantom. 5% to 20% shifts of the field center were considered. Results Changes in X-ray field position cause large differences in organ doses for organs that originally lied inside the beam or on the boundaries of the beam volume. After the field center shift by 20% up from the standard position the absorbed dose in adrenals of male decreases by a factor of 8.6. This effect is less than 20% for large organs and tissues such as lungs, muscle or skin. After the field center shift by 20% down the standard position the absorbed dose in female lungs decreases by 6%. Doses to organs of female are almost always larger than doses to the same organs of male. For standard field position the doses in female’s liver and lungs are 1.6 and 1.8 times higher than corresponding doses for male phantom. Conclusions Shift of X-ray field position up and down from the standard value should be considered for dose optimization during chest radiography. Differences between male and female bodies should be taken into account for more accurate patient dose assessment.

Spectral structure of a polycapillary lens shaped X-ray beam

Polycapillary X-ray optics is widely used in X-ray analysis techniques to create a small secondary source, for instance, or to deliver X-rays to the point of interest with minimum intensity losses [1]. The main characteristics of the analytical devices on its base are the size and divergence of the focused or translated beam. In this work, we used the photon-counting pixel detector ModuPIX to study the parameters for polycapillary focused X-ray tube radiation as well as the energy and spatial dependences of radiation at the focus. We have characterized the high-speed spectral camera ModuPIX, which is a single Timepix device with a fast parallel readout allowing up to 850 frames per second with 256 × 256 pixels and a 55 μm pitch defined by the frame frequency. By means of the silicon monochromator the energy response function is measured in clustering mode by the energy scan over total X-ray tube spectrum.

무연 방사선 차폐 시트에 대한 몬테카를로 전산모사

방사선 특히, 엑스선 또는 감마선으로부터 인체를 보호하기 위해 납(Pb)으로 된 보호 장구를 광범위하게 사용해왔다. 최근 납 중독 및 환경오염의 문제로 납을 대신하는 무연 방사선 차폐재의 개발이 활발히 이루어지고 있다. 차폐재의 성능 확보를 위해서는 제작 및 평가의 순환 사이클을 반복하게 된다. 본 연구는 실제 무연 방사선 차폐소재의 제작에 앞서 차폐재의 성능을 몬테카를로 전산모사를 통해 확인함으로써 가능한 차폐소재의 조합을 연구하였다. 방사선 차폐소재의 평가에 사용되는 조건으로 엑스선관을 Geant4를 이용하여 전산모사하고 획득된 광자 스펙트럼을 이용하여 텅스텐과 비스무스의 조합에 따른 차폐소재의 성능을 평가하였다. 차폐소재의 공극에 따른 성능 저하도 평가하였다. 방사선 차폐 소재 개발 시 공극률을 줄이는 것이 중요한 인자라는 것을 알 수 있었다. Radiation protection equipment has widely used to protect human body from radiations, for example X-ray and gamma ray. The material of the radiation protection equipment is mainly lead (Pb) which has brought out lead poisoning and pollution when the equipment is fallen into disuse. This problem makes research and development find new Pb-free materials for use of radiation protection. Manufacturing and evaluation processes for developing those material were carried out repletely until obtaining the performance of protection rate. In this study, combination possibility of shielding material was studied using Geant4 monte carlo simulation. X-ray tube under the same condition in the real measurement of the protection rate was simulated, and X-ray tube spectrum was obtained. The X-ray tube spectrum was applied to study on the protection rate and lead equivalent. The porosity effect was simulated, and was one of key factors to determine protection rate or lead equivalent in radiation protection sheet of Pb-free.

Europium‐155 as a source for dual energy cone beam computed tomography in adaptive proton therapy: A simulation study

To investigate the feasibility of a 3D imaging system utilizing a 155 Eu source and pixelated cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector for applications in adaptive radiotherapy. Specifically, to compare the reconstructed stopping power ratio (SPR) values of a head phantom obtained with the proposed imaging technique with theoretical SPR values. A Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation was performed with the novel imaging system. The simulation was repeated with a typical 120 kV X-ray tube spectrum while maintaining all other parameters. Dual energy 155 Eu source cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were reconstructed with an iterative projection algorithm known as total variation superiorization with diagonally relaxed orthogonal projections (TVS-DROP). Single energy 120 kV source CBCT images were also reconstructed with TVS-DROP. Reconstructed images were converted to SPR with stoichiometric calibration techniques based on ICRU 44 tissues. Quantitative accuracy of reconstructed attenuation coefficient images as well as SPR images were compared. Images generated by gamma emissions of 155 Eu showed superior contrast resolution to those generated by the 120 kV spectrum. Quantitatively, all reconstructed images correlated with reference attenuation coefficients of the head phantom within 1 standard deviation. Images generated with the 155 Eu source showed a smaller standard deviation of pixel values. Use of a dual energy conversion into SPR resulted in superior SPR accuracy with the 155 Eu source. 155 Eu was found to display desirable qualities when used as a source for dual energy CBCT. Further work is required to demonstrate whether the simulation results presented here can be translated into an experimental prototype.

Mono-Energy Coronary Angiography with a Compact Synchrotron Source

X-ray coronary angiography is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. However, the use of iodine-based contrast media can be contraindicated for patients who present with chronic renal insufficiency or with severe iodine allergy. These patients could benefit from a reduced contrast agent concentration, possibly achieved through application of a mono-energetic x-ray beam. While large-scale synchrotrons are impractical for daily clinical use, the technology of compact synchrotron sources strongly advanced during the last decade. Here we present a quantitative analysis of the benefits a compact synchrotron source can offer in coronary angiography. Simulated projection data from quasi-mono-energetic and conventional x-ray tube spectra is used for a CNR comparison. Results show that compact synchrotron spectra would allow for a significant reduction of contrast media. Experimentally, we demonstrate the feasibility of coronary angiography at the Munich Compact Light Source, the first commercial installation of a compact synchrotron source.

Fast analytical approach of application specific dose efficient spectrum selection for diagnostic CT imaging and PET attenuation correction

Computed tomography (CT) has been used for a variety of applications, two of which include diagnostic imaging and attenuation correction for PET or SPECT imaging. Ideally, the x-ray tube spectrum should be optimized for the specific application to minimize the patient radiation dose while still providing the necessary information. In this study, we proposed a projection-based analytic approach for the analysis of contrast, noise, and bias. Dose normalized contrast to noise ratio (CNRD), inverse noise normalized by dose (IND) and bias are used as evaluation metrics to determine the optimal x-ray spectrum. Our simulation investigated the dose efficiency of the x-ray spectrum ranging from 40 kVp to 200 kVp. Water cylinders with diameters of 15 cm, 24 cm, and 35 cm were used in the simulation to cover a variety of patient sizes. The effects of electronic noise and pre-patient copper filtration were also evaluated. A customized 24 cm CTDI-like phantom with 13 mm diameter inserts filled with iodine (10 mg ml−1), tantalum (10 mg ml−1), water, and PMMA was measured with both standard (1.5 mGy) and ultra-low (0.2 mGy) dose to verify the simulation results at tube voltages of 80, 100, 120, and 140 kVp. For contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging, the simulation results indicated that for high dose without filtration, the optimal kVp for water contrast is approximately 100 kVp for a 15 cm water cylinder. However, the 60 kVp spectrum produces the highest CNRD for bone and iodine. The optimal kVp for tantalum has two selections: approximately 50 and 100 kVp. The kVp that maximizes CNRD increases when the object size increases. The trend in the CTDI phantom measurements agrees with the simulation results, which also agrees with previous studies. Copper filtration improved the dose efficiency for water and tantalum, but reduced the iodine and bone dose efficiency in a clinically-relevant range (70–140 kVp). Our study also shows that for CT-based attenuation correction applications for PET or SPECT, a higher-kVp spectrum with copper filtration is preferable. This method is developed based on filter back projection and does not require image reconstruction or Monte Carlo dose estimates; thus, it could potentially be used for patient-specific and task-based on-the-fly protocol optimization.

GEANT4 calculation of normalized glandular dose coefficients in computed tomography dedicated to the breast

Introduction Normalized glandular dose coefficients (gN CT )for computed tomography dedicated to the breast with a polychromatic X-ray source are available for estimating the mean glandular dose in a breast CT scan. However, a number of assumptions and simplifications are introduced in their derivation using Monte Carlo (MC) codes, both on breast geometry and on photon tracking and energy deposition details. Purpose To investigate, via MC simulations, four different factors which affect DgN CT calculation: (1) skin thickness, (2) electron tracking energy cutoff, (3) source position and (4) glandular tissue distribution. Materials and methods The MC code was developed using GEANT4. The breast was simulated as a cylindrical homogenous mixture of fat and glandular tissue. Skin thickness was varied from 1.45 to 4 mm. Monochromatic (8–80 keV) DgN CT have been calculated and the polychromatic DgN CT were computed by weighting them for typical X-ray tube spectra adopted for breast CT. A heterogeneous breast model as a mixture of adipose and randomly disposed glandular tissue voxels was investigated. Results Default GEANT4 electron energy cutoff leads to a DgN CT overestimation up to 1.6% at 60 keV. The skin thickness affects DgN CT values by about 1% (30–80 keV). DgN CT values calculated for a heterogeneous breast differ by 2% with respect to a homogeneous tissue mixture approximation. The X-ray source position also affects the DgN CT determinations, and setup-specific dose coefficients should be adopted. Conclusion Some factors which influence DgN CT MC calculations have been investigated and new polychromatic DgN CT coefficients have been computed in breast CT. Disclosure Nothing to declare.