Phys-FRCR Vol 1

Physics
for FRCR
Simplified and edited by
Dr. Khaled Elazhry

(2013) Cairo Egypt
(Volume 1)
Dr. Khaled Elazhry
Dr. Khaled Elazhry 1
Chapter 1
BASIC RADIATION PHYSICS

RADIATION PHYSICS
Diagnostic imaging employs radiations - X, gamma, radiofrequency and sound - to which the
body is partly but not completely transparent.
IONIZING RADIATION (X-rays and gamma rays) are used most
1.1 STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

Relative mass Relative charge Symbol
Nucleons
Neutron 1 0 n
Proton 1 +1 p
Extra-nuclear
Electron 1 -1 e-,-
(0.00054 )
1840
Other
Positron 1 +1 e+ , +
(0.00054 )
1840
Alpha 4 +2
particle
The diameter of the nucleus of an atom is about 5 x 10-15 m.
The diameter of the entire atom is about 5 x 10-10 m (100,000 times larger)
Most of an atom is an empty space.
Rutherford and Bohr model an atom is a massive positively charged nucleus sur-
rounded by electrons in orbits of specific diameters.
NUCLEUS:
Has a positive electrical charge, and contains almost all the mass of an atom.
Made of several types of particles "NUCLEONS" only protons & neutrons considered.
The proton has a positive electric charge numerically equal to the charge of the electron,
while the neutron has zero electrical charge.
The neutron and proton have about the same mass (1.66 x 10-24 gm), which is
approximately 1840 times greater than the mass of an electron.
The atomic number of the atoms "Z" = the number of protons in the nucleus
synonymous with element name.
The mass number "A" = the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
Gold (Au) has a nucleus with 79 protons (Z = 79) and 118 neutrons (A = 197)
All atoms of an element have the same atomic number (Z), but may have different mass
numbers (isotopes).
ISOTOPES have the same number of protons in the nucleus "same atomic number" but
have different numbers of neutrons "different mass numbers".

12C refers to a carbon atom with A = 12 & Z = 6 shortened 12C "Carbon-12".
6
Carbon-14 still has Z = 6 but has two more neutrons unstable and radioactive. It is
called a Radionuclide.

ELECTRON ORBITS AND ENERGY LEVELS:
An atom is composed of a central positive nucleus + electrons with negative charges revolving
around the nucleus in circular orbits.
A neutral atom contains an equal number of protons and electrons.
The electron orbits are designated by letters: K, L, M, N, O, and so on.
The atomic system allows 2 electrons in the first orbit, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, 32 in
the fourth, and 50 in the fifth (2N2).
An electron in the K shell is called a K electron. L electrons are in the L shell.
Valence shell:
Outermost shell.
Concerned with the chemical, thermal, optical & electrical properties of the element.
Can't have more than 8 electrons (called 'free electrons').
X-rays involve the inner shells, and radioactivity concerns the nucleus.
The diameters of the electronic shells are determined by the nuclear force on the electron, and
by the angular momentum and energy of the electron.
BINDING ENERGY:
The "binding force" of the electron = the attractive force between the positively charged nu-
cleus and the negatively charged electron, that keeps the electrons in the atom.
The binding force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the nucleus
and electron K electron has a larger binding force than an L electron.
Binding energy = the energy expended in completely removing the electron from the atom
against the attractive force of the positive nucleus expressed in electronvolts (eV).
Never greater than 100 keV.
The binding energy depends on
1. The shell (EK > EL > EM ).
2. The element ( Atomic number binding energy)
For example; In the case of tungsten (W; Z = 74) the binding energies of different shell are :
EK EL EM
70 11 2 keV
In the case of the K shell, the binding energies of different elements are
W (Z = 74) I (Z = 53) Mo (Z = 42) Cu (Z = 29)
70 33 20 9 keV
An electron cannot have any more or less energy than shell energy, but electron may jump
from one energy shell to another "higher or lower" energy shell
Electron movement to a lower energy shell results in the emission of energy.
Emitted energy = the difference in the binding energy between the two shells.
The energy may take the form of an x ray photon.
Electron movement to a higher energy e.g. absorption of an x-ray photon.
Each atomic energy shells, except K, has SUBSHELLS of slightly different energies

Ionisation & Excitation:
Ionized atom if one of its electrons has been completely removed ion pair
"electron + positive ion"
Excited atom if an electron is raised from one shell to a farther one with the
absorption of energy the atom has more energy than normal.
When it falls back energy is re-emitted as a single 'packet' of energy or light photon.
UNITS
The SI units of energy is the joule (J) and of Power is the watt (W):
1 W = 1 J / s ( W = kg . m2 / S3 ) ( J = kg . m2 / S2 )
The SI units of electric charge is the coulomb and of current is ampere (A):
1A=1C/s 1 C = 1 As
A smaller unit of current is the milliampere (mA).
A smaller unit of charge is the milliampere-second (mAs).
The SI unit of electrical potential difference (PD) and electromotive force (EMF) is the volt (V).
When a charge of 1 C passes through an EMF of 1 V it acquires 1 J of energy.
A smaller unit of energy is the electronvolt (eV), which is the energy acquired by a single electron
when it passes through an EMF of 1 V.
There are as many electronvolts in a joule as there are electrons in a coulomb (= 6.25 x 1018).
MULTIPLYING FACTORS
Tera- Giga- Mega- Kilo- Milli- Micro- Nano- Angstrom Pico-
G M k m n p
1012 109 106 103 10-3 10-6 10-9 10-10 10-12
1.2 ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Energy traveling across empty space
All EMR travel with velocity (c) of light in vacuo "3 x 108 m\sec".
Named according to the way of production and the special properties they possess.
e.g. X-rays (emitted by X-ray tubes) & gamma rays (emitted by radioactive nuclei) have
essentially the same properties and differ only in their origin.
Quantum aspects:
Electromagnetic radiation is a stream of 'packets' or quanta of energy "PHOTONS" traveling in
straight lines.
Wave aspects:
EMR is sinusoidally varying electric & magnetic fields traveling with velocity c when in vacuo.
They are transverse waves; with the electric and magnetic field vectors point at right angles to
each other and to the direction of travel of the wave.
Fig. 1.2 Electromagnetic wave. Field strength versus (a) time and (b) distance.

Definitions:
Amplitude (A) = the peak field strength.
The Period (T) = the time interval between successive crests of the wave.
The Wavelength () = the distance between successive crests of the wave.
The frequency (f) = the number of crests passing a point in a second.
f=1/T
Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other, wavelength x frequency =
constant (velocity) f=1/ f (Hz) = c / ( M)
The types of radiation are listed in Table 1.2, in order of increasing photon energy, increasing
frequency, and decreasing wavelength.
Wavelength Frequency Energy
Radio waves 30-6 m 10-50 MHz 40-200 neV
Infrared 10000-700 nm 30-130 THz 0.12-1.8 eV
Visible light 700-400 nm 430-750 THz 1.8-3 eV
Ultraviolet 400-100 nm 750-3000 THz 3-12 eV
X- and gamma 1 nm 0.1 pm 3 x 1053 x 109 THz 1 keV 10 MeV
When the energy is less than 1 keV the radiation is usually described in terms of its frequency,
except that visible light described in wavelength.
Only radiations at the ends of the spectrum penetrate the human body sufficiently to be used in
imaging radio waves and X- or gamma rays.
N.B. sound is a mechanical wave not an electromagnetic wave (MCQ).
PHASE
Two objects are said to move in synchronism when their phase difference is constant.
The two sine waves in Fig. 1.2a are out of phase. They have the same period or frequency but
the dashed curve lags behind the solid curve "i.e. reaching its maximum at a later time".
Phase difference = the time interval between their peaks expressed as an angle, lying between
0 and 360, on a scale which makes the period T correspond to 360.
In single-phase mains supply the current rises and falls as a single sine wave.
In a three-phase supply the current rises and falls as three sine waves having phase
differences of 120.
Wave and quantum theories combined
Photon energy is proportional to the frequency.
The constant of proportionality is called Planck's constant (h). Thus, E = h f
Since frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, so also is photon energy:
E (in keV) = 1.24 / (in nm)
E (in eV) = 1240 / (in nm)
For example:
Blue light
= 400nm E = 3 eV
Typical X- and gamma rays;
= 0.1 nm E = 140 keV

INTENSITY
Radiation travels in straight lines "= RAYS" radiating in all directions from a point source.
BEAM = a collimated set of rays (Fig. 1.3a).
The photon fluence at the point = the number of photons per unit area passing through the
cross section in the time.
The energy fluence at the point = the total amount of energy "the sum of the energies of all the
individual photons" per unit area passing through the cross-section in the time.
The energy fluence rate at the point (= beam intensity) is the total amount of energy per unit
area passing through the cross-section per unit time (watts per square millimeter).
Intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude (A)
Energy fluence and intensity are not easy to measure directly.
Instead, an easier indirect measurement is made:
'Air kerma' instead of energy fluence.
"Air kerma rate" instead of intensity.
INVERSE SQUARE LAW
The intensity of the radiation is inversely
proportional to the square of the distance from a point
source
When the distance is changed:
New intensity (Old distance)2

=
Old intensity (New distance)2
or
New air kerma rate (Old distance)2
=
Old air kerma rate (New distance)2
Halving the distance quadruple's the intensity or air kerma rate & doubling the distance
reduces them by a factor of 4.
N.B. Only the intensity of the x-ray will decrease with distance but the energy of the photons not change.
1.3 PRODUCTION OF X RAYS
DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY TUBES
X rays are produced by energy conversion when a fast-moving stream of electrons is suddenly
decelerated in the "target" anode of an x-ray tube.
Electrodes are designed so that electrons produced at cathode (-ve electrode or filament) ac-
celerated by high potential difference toward the anode (+ve electrode or target)
Electrons are produced by the heated tungsten filament and accelerated across the tube by the
accelerating tube voltage to hit the tungsten target x rays production.

GLASS ENCLOSURE
Necessary to seal the two electrodes of the x-ray tube in a vacuum.
Vacuum allow number & speed electrons to be controlled independently.
The connecting wires must be sealed into the glass wall of the x-ray tube.
Special alloys, having approximately the same coefficients of linear expansion as Pyrex glass,
are generally used in x-ray tubes.
CATHODE (The negative terminal of the x-ray tube)
Composition of the cathode:
The filament, which is the source of electrons for the x-ray tube.
Tungsten wire, 0.2 mm in diameter coiled into a vertical spiral 0.2 cm in diameter and 1
cm in length
The connecting wires.
A metallic focusing cup.
The number (quantity) of x rays produced depends entirely on the number of electrons
that flow from the filament to the target (anode) of the tube.
The x-ray tube current is measured in milliamperes (1 mA = 0.001 A).
& refers to the number of electrons flowing per second from the filament to the target
For example, in a given unit of time, a tube current of 200 mA is produced by twice as many
electrons as a current of 100 mA, and produces twice as many x rays.
Where these electrons come from? "THERMIONIC EMISSION"
Def.: the emission of electrons resulting from the absorption of thermal energy.
A pure tungsten filament must be heated to a temperature of at least 2200 C to emit a useful
number of electrons (thermions).
Tungsten is not as efficient an emitting material as alloys of tungsten, for example.
But, it is chosen for use in x-ray tubes, because:
1. It can be drawn into a thin wire that is quite strong.
2. Has a high melting point (3370 C).
3. Has little tendency to vaporize.
Tungsten filament has a reasonably long life expectancy.
When current flows through tungsten wire heated its atoms absorb thermal energy
some of the electrons acquire energy move small distance from the metal surface form a
small cloud in the vicinity of the filament "the space charge".
The electron cloud, produced by thermionic emission, also termed "Edison effect".
SATURATION VOLTAGE
If the potential applied across the tube is insufficient to cause almost all electrons to be pulled
away from the filament when they are emitted Space Charge Effect: cloud of negative
charges tends to prevent other electrons from being emitted from the filament until they have
acquired sufficient thermal energy to overcome the force caused by the space charge limit
the number of electrons limits X-ray tube current.

Below the saturation point,
The tube current is limited by the space charge effect (space-charge-limited).
kV significant in x-ray tube current although filament heating is the same.
Above the saturation voltage,
The space charge effect has no influence on the x-ray tube current.
The tube current is determined by the number of electrons made available by the heated
filament (emission-limited or temperature-limited).
kV very little change in tube current
THE AMPERE
The unit of electric current.
Def.: the "flow" of 1 coulomb of electricity through a conductor in 1 sec.
The coulomb = the amount of electric charge carried by 6.25 x 1018 electrons.
Therefore, an x-ray tube current of 100 mA (0.1 A) may be considered as the "flow" of 6.25 x
1017 electrons from the cathode to the anode in 1 sec.
Electron current across an x-ray tube is in one direction only (always cathode to anode).
Cathode focusing cup:
Surrounds the filament & maintained at the same
negative potential as the filament.
So, its electrical forces cause the electron stream to
converge onto the target anode in the required size
and shape prevent bombardment of a large area
on the anode caused by mutual repulsion of the
electrons (Figs. 2-2 and 2-4).
The focusing cup is made of nickel.
Modern x-ray tubes may be supplied with a single
or, more commonly, a double filament (Fig. 2-2).
Vaporization of the filament when it is heated:
Filament becomes too thin break up "acts to shorten the life of an x-ray tube".
Tungsten is deposited on the inner surface of the glass wall of the x-ray tube produces
bronze-color "sunburn".
This tungsten coat has two effects:
1. Filter the x-ray beam.
2. Increases the possibility of arcing between the glass and the electrodes at higher kilovoltage
(kVp) values tube puncture.
ANODE:
Anodes (positive electrodes) of x-ray tubes are of two types, stationary or rotating.

Stationary Anode:
Consists of a small plate of tungsten "target" embedded in a large mass of copper.
Target is 2-3 mm thick, square or rectangular in shape, >1 cm in dimensions.
The anode angle is usually 15 to 20.
Tungsten is chosen as the target material for several reasons.
1. It has a high atomic number (74) more efficient for the production of x rays.
2. Withstand the high temperature produced "high melting point = 3370 C".
3. Reasonably good for the absorption & rapid dissipation of heat.
However, it cannot withstand the heat of repeated exposures the massive copper anode
acts to the total thermal capacity of anode and to speed its rate of cooling.
The actual size of the tungsten target > the area bombarded by the electron stream (Fig. 2-4)
because copper has a relatively low melting point (1070 C) the heat produced could melt
the copper in the immediate vicinity of the target.
Tungsten and copper have different expansion coefficient on heating needs satisfactory
bonding otherwise the tungsten target would peel away from copper anode.
Rotating Anode :
Rotating anode is used to produce x-ray tubes capable of withstanding the heat generated by
large exposures.
The anode assembly, seen in cross-section, consists of:
An anode disk, 7-10 cm or more in diameter.
A thin molybdenum stem.
A blackened copper rotor "part of the induction motor which rotates the target stem".
Bearings, lubricated with a soft metal such as silver.
An axle, sealed into the glass envelope, which supports the target assembly.
The anode of a rotating anode tube consists of a large disc of tungsten or an alloy of tungsten
"tungsten-rhenium alloy" better thermal characteristics than pure tungsten and does not
roughen with use as quickly.
Typical disc diameters measure 75, 100, or 125 mm.
The diameter of the tungsten disc determines the total
length of the target track affects the maximum per-
missible loading of the anode.
The anode rotates at a speed of about 3600 revolutions per

minute (rpm) using single-phase mains supply.
Any area of the tungsten disc is found opposite the electron stream
only once every 1/60 sec & during the remainder of the time heat
generated during the exposure can be dissipated.

High-speed anodes are energized with three-phase mains & rotate at about 9000-17000 rpm.
The tungsten disc has a beveled edge. The angle of the bevel may vary from 6 to 20. The
bevel is used to take advantage of the line focus principle.
The purpose of the rotating anode is to spread the heat produced during an exposure over a
large area of the anode while the apparent or effective focal spot size has remained the same.
To make the anode rotate, some mechanical problems must be overcome:
Power to the rotating anode Stator coils.
Lack of durable bearings Metallic lubricants e.g. silver.
Heat dissipation Molybdenum stem.
Inertia short stem, using 2 sets of bearings & anode weight by using an anode made of
molybdenum (lighter than tungsten) + target made of tungsten-rhenium alloy.
Roughening & pitting of anode surface, which target scatter & X-ray absorption in target
itself target made of tungsten-rhenium alloy, anode discs with grooves on the target
surface & coating the back of anode disc with black substance e.g. carbon.
How the anode cools
Heat produced on the focal track conducted quickly and stored temporarily in the anode disk
transferred by radiation to the insulating oil stored temporarily then transferred by
convection to the housing lost by radiation and by fan-assisted convection through the
surrounding air.
The molybdenum stem is sufficiently long and narrow to control the amount of heat that is
conducted to the rotor so that it is not in danger of overheating.
Heat radiation is promoted by blackening the anode assembly.
High-powered tubes used in CT & angiography pump the oil through external heat exchanger
Summary of Heat transfer:
Radiation: transfer through infra-red

electromagnetic waves, traverses vacuum.
Anode to envelope (as used in standard kitchen
grill and toaster)
Convection: transfer from solids to gas or

liquids causing motion of the molecules
Envelope to oil (= fan assisted oven)
Conduction: transfer through opaque solids

Anode to stem to bearings (attempt to keep this low by using Mo stems)
GRID-CONTROLLED X-RAY TUBES

Conventional x-ray tubes contain two electrodes (cathode and anode).
The grid-controlled tube has a 3rd electrode control the flow of electrons from the filament
to the target.
The third electrode is the focusing cup that surrounds the filament.
In conventional x-ray tubes a focusing cup is electrically connected to the filament.
In the grid-controlled tube, the focusing cup is electrically negative relative to the filament .
The voltage across the filament-grid produces an electric field along the path of the
electron beam pushes the electrons even closer together.
If the voltage is large enough the tube current may be completely pinched off "act like a
on & off switch for the tube current used in cinefluorography".

TUBE SHIELDING AND HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLES
X-rays are emitted with equal intensity in every direction from the target.
In addition, the x rays are scattered in all directions following collisions with various
structures in and around the tube.
The tube housing is lined with lead except a plastic window through which useful X-
ray beam emerges absorb 1ry and 2ry x-rays that would otherwise produce a high
intensity of radiation around the tube needless exposure of patients and personnel +
excessive film fogging.
The effectiveness of the tube housing in limiting leakage radiation must meet the
specifications listed in The National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements
Report No. 49, which states that:
"The leakage radiation measured at a distance of 1 meter from the source shall not
exceed 100 mR in 1 hour when the tube is operated at its maximum current &
maximum tube potential".
Another function of the tube housing
"Mineral oil around the tube" provide shielding for the high voltages & prevent
short-circuiting between the grounding wires and the tube.
Other aspects of tube and generator design
The glass insert is immersed in oil 1) converts heat away from the tube & 2) act as
an electrical insulator for tube.
The high tension and filament transformers are contained in oil-filled earthed metal
tank and connected to the tube housing by a pair of highly insulated flexible cables.
Dental X-ray tube: low-powered - small - stationary anode tube.
X-RAY GENERATORS
X-ray generator is the device that supplies electric power to the X-ray tube.
Two sources of electrical energy are required and are derived from the alternating current
(AC) mains by means of transformers. Figure l.4 shows:
The filament heating voltage (about 10 V) and current (about 10 A),
produced by a step-down low-voltage transformer for heating of the filament.
The accelerating voltage (30-150 kV) between the anode and cathode ('high tension',
'kilovoltage', or 'kV'), produced by a high-voltage transformer.
accelerates the current of electrons (typically 0.5-1000 mA) flowing between the anode
and cathode ('tube current', 'milliamperage', or 'mA').
The mA is controlled by varying the filament temperature.
A small in filament temperature, voltage, or current large in tube current
kV & mA can be varied independently in the X-ray set.
The anode-cathode voltage = kVp or kV.
THE WAVEFORM & RECTIFICATION:
Rectification is the process of changing alternating current into direct current.
Using an alternative current for X-ray tube makes electrons moves in one half of the cycle
from the cathode to anode, in the other half of cycle the electrons with move in opposite
direction undesirable, because:
1. heating of the filament lifetime. 2. Wouldn't produce useful X-ray.

This figure depicts the waveforms of 4 types of
high-tension voltage supply:
(1) Alternating voltage ('self-rectification').

(2) Pulsating direct current (DC) ('full wave
rectification, single-phase').
(3) 'Constant potential', which is steady DC with a
small ripple from a 'three-phase' generator.
(4) High frequency which is steady DC with
negligible ripple.
PROCESSES OCCURRING IN THE TARGET OF AN X-RAY TUBE

Each electron arrives at the surface of the target with a kinetic energy (in kiloelectronvolts "keV")
= the kV between the anode and cathode.
INTERACTION WITH THE K-SHELL: LINE SPECTRUM,
CHARACTERISTIC RADIATION
Electron (a) from the filament collides with an electron (b) in the K-shell of an atom
ejected from the atom, provided that the energy of the bombarding electron is greater than
the binding energy of the shell.
The remaining energy is shared between the initial electron & the ejected electron
both leave the atom
The hole created in the K-shell is most likely to be filled by an electron (c) falling from
the L-shell emission of a single X-ray photon (d) of energy equal to the difference in
the binding energies of the two shells, EK - EL.
The photon is referred to as K radiation.

Alternatively, but less likely, the hole may be filled by an electron falling from the M-
shell emission of a single X-ray photon of energy EK - KM. (K radiation)
In the case of the usual target material, Tungsten "W" (Z = 74),

EK = 70 keV, EL = 12 keV, and EM = 2 keV.
K radiation has photon energy of 58 keV & K radiation has photon energy of 68 keV.
The x-ray photon energy is a "characteristic" of the K shell of a tungsten atom regardless of
the energy of the electron that ejected the K-shell electron
L-radiation if hole created in the L-shell is filled by an electron from farther shell.
Even in the case of tungsten, L-radiation photons have only energy = 10 keV insufficient to
leave the X-ray tube assembly "no part in radiology".
Characteristic X-ray photons have discrete photon energies line spectrum.
In the case of another target material, Molybdenum (Z = 42),
EK = 20 KeV, EL = 2.5 keV
K radiation has a photon energy of 17.5 keV & K radiation has a photon energy of 20 keV.
The energy of the K-radiation photons:
1. Increases with atomic number of the target.
2. It is characteristic of the target material.
3. Not affected by the tube voltage, except that:
A K-electron cannot be ejected if the peak tube voltage is less than EK.
The rate of production of the characteristic radiation increases as the kV is increased
above this value.
Contribution of characteristic radiation to the total production of x rays?
1. Below 70 kVp no K-shell characteristic radiation.
2. Between 80 and 150 kVp K-shell characteristic radiation contributes about 10% (80
kVp) to 28% (150 kVp) of the useful x-ray beam.
3. Above 150 kVp the contribution of characteristic radiation decreases, and it becomes
negligible above 300 kVp.
INTERACTION WITH THE NUCLEUS:
BREMSSTRAHLUNG, CONTINUOUS SPECTRUM
When an electron penetrates K shell & passes near the
nucleus of a tungsten atom the +ve charge of the nucleus acts
on the -ve charge of the electron.
The electron is deflected from its original direction & slowed
down
The kinetic energy lost by the electron is emitted directly in
the form of a photon of radiation called general radiation or
bremsstrahlung ("braking radiation" in German)
Except in mammography, 80% or more of the X-rays emitted by a diagnostic X-ray tube
are bremsstrahlung.
Most electrons that strike the target:
Make interactions with a number of atoms & loses only part of its energy at each interaction
which appear in the form of radiation.
Penetrate many atomic layers before giving up all their energy; therefore, not all x-rays are
produced on the surface of the target.

Occasionally, the electron will collide head-on with a nucleus single photon of energy =
kVp. "the largest photon energy that can be produced at this kilovoltage"
Most of the radiation will have little energy, and will appear as heat "over 99% of all
reactions" + few x rays will appear.
The energy of a photon of radiation is related to the kinetic energy (keV) of the electron, which
is related to the potential difference (kVp) across the x-ray tube.
Remember, Energy of photon of radiation is inversely related to wavelength.
In case of a head-on collision between the electron and nucleus. All the energy of the electron
is given to the resulting x-ray photon. The minimum wavelength of this x-ray photon can be
calculated: min ( nm ) = 1.24 / kVp
For example: 0.0124 nanometer is the shortest wavelength (highest energy) x-ray photon that
can be produced with an x-ray tube potential of 100 kVp.
Most of the x rays produced will have wavelengths longer than 0.0124 nm ( 12.4 pm )
In the graph of continuous spectrum of the wavelengths of x rays. Notice that:

1. There is well defined minimum wavelength (min) depend on the kVp.
2. The x-ray beam contains all wavelengths of x rays longer than min.
3. Filters are used to remove the long wavelength from the beam.
Conclusion,
The highest energy x-ray photon leaving the x-ray tube depends on the kVp.
The lowest energy x-ray photon leaving the x-ray tube depends on the filtration.
X-RAY SPECTRUM:
This figure plots the relative number of photons having each photon energy (in keV)
The bremsstrahlung forms a continuous
spectrum (a).
The maximum photon energy

(kiloelectronvolts) is equivalent to the kVp
If peak kV > K-shell binding energy,

characteristic X-rays are also produced. They
are shown at (c) in Fig. 1.8 as lines
superimposed on the continuous spectrum.
The dashed line (b) shows the spectrum of

bremsstrahlung of low-energy which is absorbed
by the target itself & the glass wall of the tube
"FILTRATION".

So, there is low-energy cut-off, at about 20 keV (depends on the filtration added to the tube),
as well as a maximum energy (depends only on the kV).
The area of the spectrum represents the total output of all X-ray photons emitted.
The average or effective energy of the continuous spectrum = 1/3 to 1/2 of the kVp.
Thus, an X-ray tube operated at 90 kVp can be thought of as emitting, effectively, 45 keV X-rays.
Comparison between spectrum from a tube with a tungsten target, operating at three different kV values.
As the tube voltage is increased both the width and height of the spectrum increase the
area increases the output of X-rays increases, which is proportional to kV2.
The intensity of X-rays emitted is proportional to kV2 x mA.
The efficiency of X-ray production is the ratio
X-ray output
electrical power supplied
So, the efficiency
(1) Increases with the kV.
(2) Is greater, the higher the atomic number of the target.
CONTROLLING THE X-RAY SPECTRUM

To summarize, there are 5 factors affecting the X-ray spectrum.
kV Shifts the spectrum upward and to the right
It increases the maximum and effective energies and the total number of X-ray
photons
Below a certain kV (70 kV for a tungsten target) the characteristic K-radiation is
not produced
mA Does not affect the shape of the spectrum
both bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation output in proportion
Z number The output of bremsstrahlung but does not affect shape of spectrum.
of Target The photon energy of the characteristic lines will also increase
Change The maximum and minimum photon energies are unchanged.
Kilovoltage However, a constant potential (3-phase) generator produces more X-rays and
waveform at higher energies than those produced by a single-phase pulsating potential
generator, at the same values of kVp and mA
Both the output & the effective energy of the beam is greater
A single-phase generator produces useful X-rays in pulses, each lasting 30 ms
during the middle of each 100 ms half cycle of the mains
Filtration See later

1.4 THE INTERACTION OF X-AND GAMMA RAYS WITH MATTER
Where the following refers to X-rays it applies equally well to gamma rays.
When a beam of X- or gamma rays travels through matter figure 1.10 illustrates the 3 possible
fates of the photons.
Transmitted:
Pass through unaffected, as primary or direct radiation.
Absorbed:
Transferring to the matter all of their energy (complete absorption) or some of it (partial
absorption)
Scattered:
Diverted in a new direction, with or without loss of energy, and so may leave the beam (as
scattered or secondary radiation).
X-ray absorption and scattering processes are stochastic processes, governed by the
statistical laws of chance. It is impossible to predict which of the individual photons in a beam
will be transmitted by 1 mm of a material, but it is possible to be quite precise about the fraction
of them that will be, on account of the large numbers of photons in the beam.
ATTENUATION
Definitions:
X-ray beam Quantity: the number of photons in the beam.
X-ray beam Quality: refers to the energies of the photon in the beam.
Intensity: the product of number & energy of photons (depends on both the quantity &
quality).
Attenuation = the reduction in the X-ray beam intensity as it traverses a matter by either
absorption or scattering of photons.
ATTENUATION = ABSORPTION + SCATTER
It depends on both the quantity & quality of the X-ray beam.
Attenuation of narrow monoenergetic beam of x-ray:
In the module of monochromatic radiation attenuation = reduction of quantity only
The fundamental law of X-ray attenuation:

Equal thicknesses of an absorber transmit equal percentages of the radiation entering them
Each cm of the matter removes 20% of beam photons ( quantity) with no change in energy of
transmitted photons (quality)

Examples of exponential attenuation for narrow mono-energetic beams.
Linear Attenuation Coefficient ():
Def: The linear attenuation coefficient measures the probability that a photon interacts (i.e.
is absorbed or scattered) per unit length of the path it travels in a specified material.
Quantitative parameter measures the attenuating properties of the material.
The unit of is cm-1.
The linear attenuation coefficient only applies to narrow monoenergetic beams.
is specific for both the energy of X-ray beam & the type of absorber.
When the radiation energy no. of attenuated X-ray photons .
The exponential equation for X-ray attenuation:
I I0ed
where: I0 = no. of incident photons.
I = no. of transmitted photons.
e = base of natural logarithm
= Linear attenuation coefficient.
d = thickness of absorber in cm.
Half-Value Layer (HVL)
HVL is the thickness of stated material required to reduce the intensity of a narrow beam of
X-radiation to 1/2 of its original value.
Two successive half-value layers reduce the intensity of the beam by a factor 2x2 = 4.
Ten HVLs reduce the intensity of the beam by a factor 210 = 1000.
The HVL is a measure of the penetrating power (quality) of the X-ray beam "i.e. a beam
with high HVL is more penetrating than one with low HVL".
The linear attenuation coefficient () is inversely proportional to the HVL:
= 0.69 / HVL HVL = 0.69 / (HVL x = 0.69)
The HVL applies only to narrow beams, but they need not be monoenergetic.
The HVL decreases and the linear attenuation coefficient therefore increases as:
1. The density of the material increases.
2. The atomic number of the material increases;
3. The photon energy of the radiation decreases.
For example, lead is more effective than either aluminum or tissue at absorbing X-rays because of
its higher density and atomic number.

The mass attenuation coefficient ( / )
The unit of the mass attenuation coefficient is per gm \ cm2 (or cm2 \ gm)
Is obtained by dividing the linear coefficient by the density of the material depends only on
the atomic number and photon energy.
EXPONENTIAL GRAPH
When no. of transmitted photons are plotted on linear scale against absorber thickness
Curved line (Fig. 1.12a)
However thick the absorber, it is never possible to absorb an X-ray beam completely.
This is shown, in Fig. 1.12a, by the shape - an exponential curve.
If, as in Fig. 1.12b the percentage transmission is plotted on a logarithmic scale Linear
graph = exponential curve "i.e. decrease with constant percentage with each increment of
absorber, making it easier to read off the HVL and calculate .
The experimental arrangement for measuring HVL and the attenuation coefficient is illustrated
in Fig. 1.13a
Fig. 1.13 (a) a narrow beam is used for the measurement of the HVL
(b) Transmission of a wide beam.
This arrangement, referred to as 'good geometry' minimizes the amount of scattered radiation
SS entering the detector
The beam is restricted by means of a lead diaphragm to just cover a small detector.
The diaphragm b and sheets of the absorbing material c are positioned halfway between the
source ( a ) and detector ( d ) .
A second collimator may be placed in front of the detector.

FACTORS AFFECTING ATTENUATION:
I- Energy:
beam energy attenuation ( ) percentage of transmitted photons.
beam energy HVL.
Beam energy determines the dominant interaction type:
1. With low radiation energy photoelectric effect is dominant transmitted photons.
2. With increasing the energy Compton scattering & PEE transmitted photons.
3. With high energy most interactions are Compton interaction.
& with increasing the energy within high ranges % transmitted photons but with small
differences (both within Compton interaction)
II- Atomic number (A):
Generally, atomic no. attenuation.
The only exception is with high atomic no. absorber, if the beam energy exceeded the binding
energy of an inner shell electron (see absorption edge).
III- Density:
Density determines the no. of electrons in a given thickness.
So, density attenuation in a linear relationship
Doubling the density for the same thickness doubles attenuation of that thickness
The difference in tissue densities is responsible for the X-ray film contrast.
IV- Electrons per gram:
Mass unit depends on the no. of neutrons in the absorber atoms.
Actually, the no. of electrons \ cm3 "which is a volume unit" is more important.
We obtain the e \ cm3 by multiplying e \ gm in density.
e gm e
x 3 =
gm cm cm3
When Compton interactions predominate, the no. of e \ cm3 becomes the most important
factor in attenuation.
Example: bone has fewer e \ gm than water, but attenuates radiation more because it has more
e \ cm3.
Attenuation Of A Wide Beam :
The percentage transmission by the same object of a wide beam of X- or gamma rays is
greater than that of a narrow beam of photons of the same energy because a wide beam
produces more scatter SS and much of it stays within the beam.
Attenuation Of Heterogeneous Beam :

The beams produced by X-ray tubes are Heterogeneous (Polyenergetic), i.e. they comprise
photons of a wide range of energies (spectrum of energies).
The max. energy of the beam = peak kVp.
The mean energy is between 1/2 1/3 of peak energy.
As the beam travels through an attenuating material,
Beam quantity same as monochromatic radiation.
Beam quality as, the lower-energy photons are attenuated proportionally more than the
higher-energy photons & as the lower energy photons are removed from the beam
mean energy of the remaining photons.

The exponential law does not apply for a heterogeneous beam. However, it is still correct to
refer to the HVL of the beam.
As the beam penetrates the material: a process of FILTRATION occurs
The beam becomes progressively more homogeneous.
Proportion of higher-energy photons in beam average energy the beam
becomes 'harder' or more penetrating.
The 'second HVL' which would reduce the beam intensity from 50 to 25% > the 'first
HVL', which reduces it from 100 to 50%.
When the transmission % of polyenergetic radiation plotted on logarithmic scale Curved
line
The HVL of a typical diagnostic beam is
30 mm in tissue 12 mm in bone 0.15 mm in lead
INTERACTION PROCESSES
5 processes of interaction between X-rays and matter contribute to attenuation
1. Interaction with a loosely bound or 'free' electron Compton process "modified scatter"
2. Interaction with inner shell or 'bound' electron Photoelectric absorption.
3. Interaction with a bound electron elastic scatter ( Unmodified scatter coherent )
4. Pair production.
5. Photodisintegration.
UNMODIFIED SCATTER:
It is also known variously as coherent, classical, elastic, Rayleigh or Thomson scattering
The photon bounces off an electron which is firmly bound to its parent atom the photon is
scattered with no loss of energy.
No secondary electron - No ionization.
This process occurs with low-energy photons and at very small angles of scattering
The scattered radiation does not leave the beam little significance in radiology.
PAIR PRODUCTION & PHOTODISINTEGRATION:

Both interactions don't occur within the diagnostic energy range (rarely use energies > 150 keV).
COMPTON PROCESS (MODIFIED SCATTER)
Responsible for almost all the scatter radiation in diagnostic radiology
The photon bounces off a free electron which recoils, taking away some of the energy of the
photon as kinetic energy the photon is scattered with reduced energy.
The energy of the incident photon is distributed between:
1. Kinetic energy of the recoil electron.
2. Energy retained by deflected photon
Compton photon never gives up all its energy unlike in photoelectric interaction
The reaction produces:
Ion pair "+ve ion & -ve electron called recoil electron"
Scattered photon.
The energy carried off by the recoil electron is said to be absorbed by the material, and the
remainder, carried by the photon, to have been scattered.
In the diagnostic range of energies no more than 20% of the energy is absorbed, the rest
being scattered.

The Compton process is partial absorption.
The angle of scatter is the angle between the scattered ray and the incident ray.
Photons may be scattered in all directions.
The electrons are projected only in sideways and forward directions.
Unlike PEE in which most of photon's energy is expended to free electron bond Recoil
electron is already free (so no energy needed for this).
2 factors determine the amount of energy retained by scattered photon:
1. Initial photon energy.
2. Angle of scatter .
EFFECT OF THE ANGLE OF SCATTERING
It will be seen that The greater the angle of scatter
1. The greater the energy and range of the recoil electron
2. The lower the energy of the scattered photon (i.e. the greater the loss of energy).
Scattered photons at small angles retain most of original energy:
1. As they scatter at small angle they remain within the 1ry beam film fogging.
2. They are too energetic can't be removed by filters.
3. Scattered radiation - even those scattered at large angles still have much energy safety
hazards to medical staff especially in fluoroscopy.
A back-scattered photon ( = 180) is less energetic 'softer' than a side-scattered photon ( =
90), which in turn is softer than a forward-scattered photon ( = 0).
EFFECT OF INITIAL PHOTON ENERGY
Higher energy photons are more difficult to deflect (more momentum).
initial photon energy
1. the remaining photon energy of the scattered radiation more penetrating.
However, photon energy no. of reactions probability to pass through body than
low energy photons
2. the kinetic energy of the recoil electron and its range.

This is seen in the following examples:
Incident photon Back-scattered photon Recoil electron
25 keV 22 keV 3 keV
150 keV 100 keV 50 keV
The softening effect of Compton scatter is greatest with large scattering angles & high
energy X-rays.
The Compton process contributes to the total linear attenuation coefficient , an

amount which is called the Compton linear attenuation coefficient.
In diagnostic energy range (up to 150 keV):
Photon retains most of its original energy (i.e. very little transferred to recoil electron)
The probability that the Compton process will occur
1. Proportional to the physical density, as with all attenuation processes.
2. Proportional to electron density.
3. Independent of the atomic number, as it concerns only 'free' electrons.
4. Approximately proportional to l / E.
To summarize
is proportional to / E and is independent of Z .
The mass Compton attenuation coefficient / is the same within 10% for such materials as
air, tissue, bone, contrast media, and lead represented by a single curve in Fig. 1.16, which
shows how / varies with photon energy.
Free electron:
An electron which binding energy is much less than energy of incident photon.
In diagnostic radiology range (10 150 keV):
In high atomic no. elements outer shell electrons are free.
In low atomic no. elements (as in soft tissue) all electrons are free.
ELECTRON DENSITY
In point of fact, the probability of the Compton process depends on the number of electrons per
unit volume while being otherwise independent of atomic number. It therefore depends upon
Mass per unit volume x No. of electrons per unit mass
The former is the usual 'physical density' and the latter is called the 'electron density'.
Since the number of atoms per unit mass is 1/A, and the number of electrons per atom is Z
The number of electrons per unit mass must be Z / A
Apart, from hydrogen (for which Z/A = 1), almost all light elements relevant to radiology have
Z/A = 0.5.
As a result, hydrogenous materials have slightly more electrons per gram than materials
without hydrogen content.
The electron density of bone, air, fat, muscle, and water does not vary by more than 10%. On
account of this small variation we often simply say that Compton attenuation is proportional to
physical density.
Air-equivalent materials and tissue-equivalent materials must have the same electron density as
air and soft tissue, respectively; as well as having the properties.

PHOTOELECTRIC ABSORPTION
When a photon (a) 'collides' with an electron (b) in the K-shell of an atom & if its energy > the
binding energy of the shell it can eject the electron b from the atom.
The photon disappears:
1. Part of its energy, equal to the binding energy of the K-shell, is expended in removing the
electron from the atom.
2. The remainder becomes the kinetic energy (KE) of that electron.
KE of the electron = photon energy - EK
Less often, the X- or gamma ray photon may interact with an electron in the L-shell of an atom
ejected from the atom with KE = photon energy - KL.
The electrons so ejected are called photoelectrons.
The 'holes' created in the atomic shell are filled by electrons falling in from a shell farther out,
with the emission of a series of photons of characteristic radiation.
The photoelectric interaction yields 3 end products:
1. ve Ion (photoelectron).
2. +ve ion (atom deficient by one electron).
3. Characteristic radiation
In the case of air, tissue & bone (light-atom materials):

Calcium which has highest atomic no. of all body elements, emits only 4 keV max. energy of
characteristic radiation
The characteristic radiation is so soft absorbed immediately with the ejection of a
further, low-energy, photoelectron or 'AUGER' ELECTRON.
All the original photon energy is converted into the energy of electronic motion.
Photoelectric absorption in such materials is complete absorption.
In the case of barium and iodine in CM (high atomic number materials):
Characteristic radiation is sufficiently energetic to leave the patient & fog x-ray film only
partial absorption "like Compton effect".

Photoelectric absorption contributes to the total linear attenuation coefficient an amount
which is called the photoelectric linear-attenuation coefficient.
=+
The more tightly the electron is bound to the atom and the nearer the photon energy is to its
binding energy, the more likely photoelectric absorption is to happen.
The probability that photoelectric absorption:
1. is inversely proportional to the cube of the photon energy E3 decreases
markedly as the photon energy of the radiation increases.
(Provided that photon energy > binding energy)
2. is proportional to the cube of the atomic number Z3 increases markedly as the
atomic number of the material increases.
3. is proportional to the density of the material, as with all attenuation processes.
Photoelectric effect can't take place with free electron called forbidden interaction.
To summarize:
Z3 / E3
This Figure shows how the mass photoelectric

attenuation coefficient / varies with photon
energy in the case of soft tissue with Z = 7.4,
bone with Z = 13, and iodine with Z = 53.
The graphs are straight lines because logarithmic
scales are used on both axes.
Applications of photoelectric effect in diagnostic radiology:

Good role
Photoelectric effect produces radiographic images of excellent quality due to:
1. No scattered radiation.
2. Enhancement of natural tissue contrast (i.e. PEE interaction depends on 3rd power of atomic
no. magnify contrast between tissues)
PEE is desirable from point of view of film quality.
Bad role:
PEE increase patient exposure, as all the incident photon is absorbed by the pt. while in Compton
reaction, only part of the incident photon's energy is absorbed.
PEE is undesirable from point of view of patient exposure.
We should use highest energy (kVp) techniques which not distort the diagnostic quality of
X-ray ray films.
MCQ: Radiographic image contrast is less with Compton reaction than with PEE.

Characteristic radiation in photoelectric interactions:
Same principle as characteristic radiation production either in the X-ray target or in
photoelectric effect, the only difference is the method used to eject the inner shell
electron (high speed electron in the x-ray tube & x-ray photon in PEE)
Characteristic radiation is usually referred to as 2ry radiation, to differentiate from Scatter
radiation.
EFFECTIVE ATOMIC NUMBER
Effective atomic number = a (weighted) average of the atomic numbers of the constituent
elements.
= the cube root of the average of the cube roots of the atomic numbers of the
constituents
Fat Air Water, muscle Bone

6 7.6 7.4 13
ABSORPTION EDGES (The K-absorption edge)

As the photon energy is increased, photoelectric attenuation decreases until the binding
energy EK of the material is reached the photoelectric absorption jumps to a higher
value and start to decrease again as the photon energy further increases.
The reason is that photons with less energy than EK can only eject L-electrons and can
only be absorbed in that shell. Photons with greater energy than EK can eject K-
electrons as well, and can therefore be absorbed in both shells.
This is an exception to the general rule that attenuation decreases with increasing
energy
K-absorption edge occurs at different photon energies with different materials.
For example,
In the case of iodine, EK = 33 keV and photons of energy 31 keV are attenuated much less than
photons of energy 35 keV.
The K-edges of low atomic number materials such as air, water, tissue, and aluminum have
no significance as they occur at EK = 1 keV or less.
The higher the atomic number of the material, the greater is EK and the greater is the
photon energy at which the edge occurs.
When max. X-ray absorption is desired, the K-edge of an absorber should be close to
the energy of the X-ray beam
e.g. In Xeroradiography, Selenium is used for low energy radiation (30-35 kVp) like
mammography. While, Tungsten is used for high energy radiation (350 kVp) like CXR.
The absorption edge is important in:
1. Choosing materials for 'K-edge filters'.
2. Contrast media.
3. Imaging phosphors.

Relative Importance of Compton and photoelectric attenuation
The photoelectric coefficient is proportional to Z3 / E3, and is particularly high when the photon
energy is just greater than EK.
The Compton coefficient is independent of Z and little affected by E.
Accordingly,
1. Photoelectric absorption is more important with high-Z materials & low-energy photons.
2. Compton process is more important with low-Z materials & high-energy photons.
The photon energy at which the two processes happen to be equally important depends on
the atomic number of the material:
30 keV for air, water, and tissue
50 keV for aluminum and bone
300 keV for iodine and barium 500 keV for lead
As regards diagnostic imaging with X-rays (20-140 keV), therefore:
1. The Compton process is the predominant process for air, water, and soft tissues
(except at very low photon energy "20 30 keV" PEE reaction predominate)
2. Photoelectric absorption predominates for contrast media, lead, and the materials
used in films, screens, and other imaging devices;
3. While both are important for bone (intermediate atomic no.).
PEE is more common at low energies.
Compton scattering in dominant at high energies.
4. Coherent scattering play only a minor role throughout diagnostic energy range.
5. Attenuation is greater when the PEE predominates (complete absorption).
SECONDARY ELECTRONS
'Secondary radiation' refers to Compton scattered radiation;
'Secondary electrons' to the recoil electrons and photoelectrons
As they travel through the material, the secondary electrons interact with the outer
shells of the atoms they pass nearby, and excite or ionize them the track of the
electron is tortuous & dotted with ion pairs.
When traveling through air the electron loses an average of 34 eV per ion pair.
3 eV needed to excite an atom & 10 eV to ionize it, & there about 8 times as many
excitations as ionizations.
When it loses the whole of its initial energy the electron comes to the end of its
range.
The greater the initial energy of the electron, the greater its range
The range is inversely proportional to the density of the material.
The ranges in air are some 800 times greater than in tissue
For example, when 140 keV photons are absorbed in soft tissue,
Some of the secondary electrons are photoelectrons having energy of 140 keV, able to
produce some 4000 ion pairs and having a range of about 0.2 mm.
Most of the secondary electrons are recoil electrons with a spectrum of energies averaging
25 keV and an average range of about 0.02 mm.

PROPERTIES OF X-AND GAMMA RAYS
The excitations and ionizations produced by the secondary electrons which account
for the various properties of X- and gamma rays:
1. The ionization of air and other gases makes them electrically conducting: used in
the measurement of X- and gamma rays.
2. The ionization of atoms in the constituents of living cells cause biological damage &
the hazards of radiation exposure.
3. The excitation of atoms of certain materials (phosphors) makes them emit light
(luminescence, scintillation, or fluorescence): used in the measurement of X- and
gamma rays and as a basis of radiological imaging.
4. The effect on the atoms of silver and bromine in a photographic film leads to
blackening (photographic effect): used in the measurement of X- and gamma rays and
as a basis of radiography.
1.5 FILTRATION
The lower-energy photons in the X-ray beam are mainly absorbed by and deposit dose in the
patient so, don't reach the film or contribute to the image.
Filtration remove a large proportion of the lower-energy photons before they reach the skin
"so, reduces the patient dose" while hardly affecting the radiation producing image.
Filtration is the process of shaping the X-ray beam to increase the ratio of useful photons to
the photons that increase the patient dose or decrease image contrast.
INHERENT Filtration:
The X-ray photons produced in the target are first filtered by:
Principally, the target material itself.
The glass envelope.
The insulating oil.
The window of the tube housing.
The light beam diaphragm mirror
Inherent filtration is measured in Aluminum Equivalents = the thickness of Al that would
produce the same degree of attenuation as the inherent filtration.
Typically, inherent filtration = 0.5-1 mm Al equivalent.
In few cases, unfiltered radiation is desirable
As filtration the mean energy of an X-ray beam it tissue contrast
With lower energy radiation (< 30 kVp) this loss of contrast affects image quality
When inherent filtration must be minimized, a tube with a window of beryllium (Z = 4)
instead of glass is used e.g. Mammography.
ADDED "or Additional" Filtration:

Uniform flat sheet of metal, usually Aluminum placed between the X-ray tube &
patient
Ideal filter material the one which absorbs all low energy photons & transmit all
high energy photons (such material doesn't exist).
The predominant attenuation process should be photoelectric absorption, which varies
inversely as the cube of the photon energy. The filter will therefore attenuate the lower-
energy photons much more than it does the higher-energy photons.

The total filtration is the sum of the added filtration and the inherent filtration.
For general diagnostic radiology it should be at least 2.5 mm Al equivalent.
(This will produce a beam with effective energy of HVL = 2.5 mm Al at 70 kV, and
4.0 mm at 120 kV.)
CHOICE OF FILTER MATERIAL
The Atomic Number should be sufficiently high to make the energy-dependent attenuating
process, photoelectric absorption, predominate.
It should not be too high, since the whole of the useful X-ray spectrum should lie on the
high-energy side of the absorption edge. If not, the filter might soften the beam.
Aluminum (Z= 13) is generally used: has sufficiently high atomic number to be suitable for
low energy radiation & most diagnostic X-ray beams (general purpose filter).
With the higher kV values, Copper (Z = 29) is used, being a more efficient filter.
Disadv. :
Copper filters can't be used alone because photoelectric interaction with the copper emits 9
keV characteristic X-rays if reaches patient skin, will increase the skin dose must be
absorbed by a 'backing filter' of aluminum on the patient side of the 'compound filter'.
Molybdenum or Palladium filters have absorption edges (20 or 24 keV, respectively)
favorable for mammography.
Erbium (58 keV) has been used at moderate kV values, called 'K-edge filter'.
FILTER THICKNESS:
The total filtration for diagnostic radiology as recommended by The national council of radiation
protection and measurements:
kVp Total filtration
Below 50 kVp 0.5 mm Al
50 70 kVp 1.5 mm Al
Above 70 kVp 2.5 mm Al
Increased filtration has definite disadvantage;
Excessive filtration absorption of high energy photons the quality of the beam is not
altered significantly but the intensity is greatly diminished needs exposure time which
may movement blurring.
EFFECTS OF FILTRATION
Figure 1.18 shows the spectrum of X-rays generated at 60 kV after passing through 1, 2, and 3
mm aluminum.
Filters attenuates lower-energy X-rays more in proportion than higher-energy X-rays the
penetrating power (HVL) of the beam but intensity
It is responsible for the low-energy cut-off of the X-ray spectrum.

Increasing the filtration has the following effects:
It causes the continuous X-ray spectrum to shrink and move to the right, Fig. 1.18.
1. It selectively reduces the total number of photons "the area of the spectrum" and the total
output of X-rays removes much more low energy photons than high energy.
2. Minimum & Effective photon energies but not affect maximum photon energy
3. the exit dose/entry dose ratio, or film dose/skin dose ratio.
COMPENSATING OR WEDGE FILLER
A wedge-shaped filter may be attached to the tube to make the exposure across the film more
uniform and compensate for the large difference in transmission, for example, between the
upper and lower thorax, neck and shoulder, or foot and ankle.
Similarly, a compensating filter may sometimes be used in mammography.
1.6 Radiation Dosimetry

ABSORBED DOSE (total ionizing dose, TID)
The SI unit of absorbed dose is GRAY (Gy); 1 Gy = 1 J \ kg.
The absorbed dose is the energy absorbed as ionization or excitation per unit mass of the
material irradiated
Also, is a measure of the energy deposited in a medium by ionizing radiation per unit mass (in
joules per kilogram).
Dose rate is measured in Grays per Second.
The concept of absorbed dose applies to all kinds of direct and indirect ionizing radiations
and to any material.
Before 1980 the international unit of absorbed dose was the RAD,
1 Gy = 100 rad (1 rad = 1 cGy = 10 mGy)
The absorbed dose is equal to the kerma of the radiation beam times the ionization energy of
the medium to be ionized
KERMA
Kerma is the kinetic energy (of the secondary electrons) released per unit mass of
irradiated material.
Absorbed Dose is energy deposited (as ionization & excitation) by those 2ry electrons
Kerma is measured in GRAY & is synonymous with absorbed dose.
In most radiodiagnostic situations they are equal and can be used interchangeably.
MEASUREMENT OF X- AND GAMMA RAY DOSE
It is extremely difficult to measure dose in solids or liquids directly.
First we measure the dose delivered to air ('air kerma') under same conditions & then
multiply it by a conversion factor to obtain the dose in the material.
The conversion factor:
Dose in stated material
Dose in air
Depends on the relative amounts of energy absorbed in air and the material.
Like the mass absorption coefficients, the factor depends on:
1. The effective atomic number of the material.
2. The effective energy of the X- or gamma rays.

For X-rays used in radiology, approximate values of the conversion factors are:
1. For muscle,
Muscle atomic number nearly equal that of air & Compton process predominates
The ratio is close to unity and only varies between 1.0 - 1.1 over the kilovoltage range
2. For compact bone,
With higher atomic number and Photoelectric absorption is important.
The ratio varies from about 4.5 at low keV energies to 1.2 at high keV.
3. For fat,
With lower atomic number the ratio varies in the opposite direction, from about 0.6 at
low keV energies to 1.1 at high keV energies.
4. For the soft tissue elements in cavities within bone
The ratio lies between bone and muscle depends on the size of cavity & photon energy
THIMBLE OR CAVITY CHAMBER

The air dose or kerma can be measured by placing at
the point in question a plastic 'thimble' (a)
containing a small mass of air (b), which is
indirectly ionized by the X-radiation. Each X-ray
photon (X) absorbed in the wall liberates a
secondary electron (e), which produces ion pairs
along its tortuous track.
For each ion pair, 34 eV of energy will have been

deposited. Therefore,
For each coulomb of charge (either positive or
negative) carried by the ions, 34 J of energy will
have been deposited.
To measure the charge, the ions are separated before they can recombine by applying a
polarizing voltage between the outer thimble wall and a thin central electrode (c) Ionization
current (I) flows, proportional to the dose rate of the radiation & the mass of air in the
chamber.
Charge can be collected Air Kerma indicated on a meter or digital read-out; or

Current can be measured Air Kerma Rate.
A polarizing voltage of 100 V is usually sufficient to collect all the ions and produce
'SATURATION CURRENT'.
If the voltage is too low, some of the positive and negative ions recombine, and the ionization
current measured is too low.
Above a certain 'saturation' voltage, all the ions are separated, and ionization current is
constant.
Air has been chosen as the standard material for dosimetry because:
1. Effective atomic number of air (7.6) is close to that of tissue (7.4)
the conversion factor is close to unity
2. Applicable to the measurement of a wide range of X- and ray photon energies.
3. Large & small doses and large & small dose rates are easily and accurately measured.
4. Air is available, cheap, universal with invariable composition.

Wall Material:
The chamber wall must be made of a suitable material.
The material of wall and electrode must be indistinguishable from air, except in density. They
must be made of air-equivalent material (specially compounded plastic is used).
An air-equivalent material matches air as regards Effective atomic number
absorbs energy from an X-ray beam to the same extent as the same mass of air.
Density is not important; it can conveniently be a solid.
The thimble wall is made of plastic (Z = 6), made conducting by an internal coat of graphite,
and the inner electrode made of thin aluminum wire (Z = 13).
By adjusting the length of the wire, the average or effective atomic number of the
combination can be made equal to that of air.
The chamber is said to be 'air wall'
Air thimble measures the air dose whatever the photon energy of the radiation 'energy-
independent' "However, corrections are needed, as discussed below".
Wall Thickness
The chamber wall must be sufficiently thick
The dosemeter is designed to measure the air dose at the center of the thimble the overall
dimensions should be small.
Typical values are length 17 mm, diameter 7 mm, and wall thickness 0.7 mm.
If the wall is too thin, electrons which have been set moving by the X-rays at points in the
surroundings can penetrate into the air cavity and contribute to the ionization, giving a false
reading.
The wall thickness should be greater than the maximum range of the secondary
electrons set in motion by the hardest X-rays to be measured
(For example, 0.2 mm for the photoelectrons from 140 keV X-rays)
So, the ionization is unaffected by the X- and gamma dose rate at points outside thimble
However, if the wall is too thick it attenuates unduly the radiation being measured.
Air volume:
The larger the air volume, the more sensitive the dosemeter.
A 30 ml chamber is often used to check the output of an X-ray set
A larger one to measure the low-intensity stray radiation near an X-ray set or in a radionuclide
calibrator to assess radioactivity
Energy Dependence: ( Correction Factors )

In practice, the dosemeter is likely to give an incorrect measure of the air dose for two reasons:
1. It is not possible to make the wall and electrode exactly air-equivalent.
2. The X- or gamma rays being measured are attenuated by the walls of the chamber, thus
reducing the reading, particularly when measuring low-energy X-rays.
Accordingly, the dosemeter reading has to be multiplied by a correction factor, N, which
varies with the photon energy, i.e. the dosemeter is 'energy-dependent'.
Another correction has to be applied if the ambient temperature or pressure differ from standard
values. If the pressure is too high or if the temperature is too low, air will leak out of the
chamber, and the reading will be too low; and vice versa. Such a correction is not needed with
sealed chambers.

Standard, Free Air Chamber
The correction factor N is measured at a national standards laboratory (such as the National
Physical Laboratory in the UK), where the thimble dosemeter is compared with a standard
instrument, The Free Air Chamber.
This is designed to measure air dose exactly, whatever the energy of the radiation.
The 'wall' of the chamber is ordinary air, and so its 'thickness' has to be some 800 times that
appropriate for a thimble chamber. This makes it a very large chamber which is inconvenient
for departmental use.
Sealed Parallel Plate Chambers
These are mounted on the light beam diaphragm for measuring the product (air kerma x area of
beam).
It effectively measures the total energy entering the patient, most of which is deposited in the
tissues, although some re-emerges as scatter.
It is referred to as a kerma-area or Jose-area product monitor.
This is easier to measure than the skin dose and is also a better index of the risk to the patient.
This chamber must be:
1. Transparent to light and to X-rays.
2. It must be broader than the widest beam of X-rays used.
3. It must not cast a shadow on the film, and is made of Perspex. The electrodes are made
conducting by a transparent layer, a few atoms thick, of a metal such as gold.
Another type of sealed parallel plate chamber can be inserted between the patient and the film
cassette for automatic exposure control
Exposure
Not all dosimeters in current use ere calibrated to read air kerma in grays. Some are calibrated
to read exposure, which is defined as
ionization charge collected
mass of air in the thimble chamber
The obsolescent quantity 'exposure' only applies to X- and gamma rays and not to alpha
particles, beta particles, or neutrons ( Whereas, air kerma applies to them all. )
The SI unit of exposure is coulombs per kilogram:
absorbed dose to air (Gy) = 34 x exposure (C kg-1)
The factor 34 is numerically equal to the energy in electronvolts expended per ion pair.
An older unit of exposure is the roentgen (R).
Generally, 'roentgen' can be taken as roughly synonymous with 'rad' or 10 mGy.
OTHER DOSEMETERS
It is often convenient to measure radiation dose by means of:
1. The photographic effect in silver bromide, used in a film badge
2. The fluorescent effect in sodium iodide, used in a scintillation counter (see also the gamma
camera, Section 5.3).
3. The thermoluminescence in lithium fluoride, used in a 'TLD'
4. The photoconductivity in germanium or silicon, used in an 'electronic' dosemeter.
The first two employ materials having a high atomic number, are highly energy dependent, and
need calibration against an air wall thimble chamber. Lithium fluoride is sufficiently air or
tissue equivalent to be adequate for the measurement of patient and staff doses.

An electronic dosemeter consists of a small semiconducting crystal in series with a battery
and a digital measuring device. X-rays absorbed by the crystal make it conduct an electric
current which is proportional to the dose rate.
Phantoms
When measuring the dose delivered to a patient, the latter is often substituted by a phantom of
the same general size and shape as the relevant part of the body and made of tissue-equivalent
material.
Tissue-equivalent material = a material which matches tissue as regards density and effective
atomic number. It therefore absorbs and scatters an X-ray beam, whatever its energy, in the
same manner and to the same extent as the same volume of tissue.
These conditions are most easily met by water in a thin-walled plastic container.
Alternatively, specially compounded rubber or waxes may be used.
Phantoms used in mammography are often based on Ferspex, which attenuates the X-ray
beam more than the same thickness of tissue, for which allowance must be made.
QUANTITY AND QUALITY
The intensity or air kerma rate of an X-ray beam is:
proportional to the square of the kV;
greater for a constant potential than a pulsating potential,
proportional to the mA;
decreases as the filtration is increased;
inversely proportional to the square of the distance F from the target;
greater for high rather than low atomic number targets
The energy fluence or air kerma is, in addition, proportional to the exposure time:
Dose rate kV2 x mA / F2
Dose kV2 x mAs / F2
The Quality (i.e. penetrating power of an X-ray beam) may be specified as the HVL of
the beam in a stated material, usually aluminum with diagnostic X-rays.
Alternatively, the quality may be described by the average or effective energy of the X-
ray spectrum.
This may be deduced from the measured HVL. The greater the HVL the greater the
effective energy.
The effective energy can be defined as the photon energy of monoenergetic X-rays which have
the same HVL as the polyenergetic beam being assessed. For example, 100 kV X-rays filtered
with 2 mm Al have the same HVL (3 mm Al) as 30 keV photons. When filtered with 10 mm Al
the effective energy is increased to 50 keV.
The HVL and effective energy of an X-ray beam:
increase as the applied kV is increased;
are greater for constant potential than pulsating potential;
are unaffected by the mA or exposure time;
increase as the filtration is increased;
are unaffected by the distance from the target
A 'hard' X-ray beam is produced by a high kV and a thick filter; a 'soft' beam by a low kV and a
thin filter.
Since the two principal factors affecting HVL or effective energy are kV and filtration, and
since the latter is normally not changed, it is common in radiography to describe the quality of
X-rays simply by stating the tube kV.

1.7 LUMINESCENCE
1. When a phosphor absorbs X-rays, the secondary electrons in the outermost band ( the
valence band ) set in motion raise valence electrons to a higher vacant energy level
(conduction band )
2. The electrons stay in energy 'traps' in the conduction band and the absorbed energy is
stored in the phosphor until the electrons return to the valence shells, with the emission
of photons of light.
1. This may happen spontaneously, either:
Instantaneously ( Immediately ) fluorescence
After a noticeable interval of time phosphorescence.
The latter is called afterglow or lag, and is generally to be avoided in imaging.
OR
2. The emission of the light may require stimulation:
By heat thermoluminescence.
By intense light from a laser photostimulation.
Other ionizing radiations

Some ultraviolet radiation has a sufficiently high photon energy to ionize air.
Beta particles, emitted by many radioactive substances and other moving electrons (in
a television monitor, for example) also possess the above properties.
Alpha rays (helium nuclei 4He), (which are particularly stable combinations of two
neutrons and two protons) are also emitted by some radioactive substances.
Both alpha and beta rays are charged particles and are directly ionizing.
X- and gamma rays are indirectly ionizing, through their secondary electrons; the
'secondary' ions produced along the track of a secondary electron being many times
more than the single 'primary' ionization caused by the initial Compton or photoelectric
interaction.
Neutrons also ionize tissue indirectly through the hydrogen nuclei they collide with.
#################################

Chapter 2
Radiation Hazards & Protection

Radiation Hazards & Protection
2.1 IONIZING RADIATION INTERACTION WITH TISSUE
Absorption of radiation energy in tissue biological damage (radiation hazards)
If X-ray passes through tissues unabsorbed, no biological effect will take place.
When radiation absorption takes place:
Chemical changes (immediate)
Subsequent molecular damage (seconds or minutes)
Biological damage (hours to decades)
Examples of radiation induced damage:
1. Skin and hands (occurring to radiologists)
2. Leukemias seen in patients treated with radiation for ankylosing spondylitis.
3. Radiation accidents (Hiroshima, Chernobyl)
The current estimates of radiation risk mostly derived from the outcomes of nuclear
explosions (esp. 90 000 survivors in Hiroshima & Nagasaki)
Types of medical radiation
Particles (beta particles, neutrons)
Electromagnetic radiations (X and Gamma rays)
Principle sources of radiation in medicine:
1. X-ray
2. Nuclear medicine
3. Radiotherapy (including -emitters, X-rays & others).
Effect of particulates radiation:
When electrons or -particles pass through tissue repeated ionizations & excitations
till particle completely loose its energy & comes to rest.
The particles have very tortuous path in the tissue (very light easily deflected by the
negatively charged orbital electrons of tissue atoms).
The total range of interactions is very short (several millimeters)
Electrons & particles radiations are easily deflected by a shield of several millimeters
of Perspex.
Effect of X and Gamma rays
They do not have a maximum depth of penetration because:
They undergo progressive attenuation as they go deeper in tissue
Their intensity (energy) decreases all the time (as they get attenuated), but never falls to
zero never give up all their energy completely (unlike electrons).
IONIZATION
Ionization is the causes of majority of radiation immediate chemical changes.
Proteins (e.g. enzymes) and nucleic acids (mainly DNA) are most sensitive for ionization
(critical tissues)

Damage occurs in 2 ways:
o Direct rupture of a covalent bond of a molecule
o Indirectly "more common", by interaction between the molecules and the free
radicals (that are produced during ionization of tissue water)
Those changes occur in microseconds or less after exposure
How indirect damage happens:
Ionization of water molecule:
H2O + radiation H2O+ + e-
This results in a positively charged water ion & a free electron.
H2O+ decomposes H+ + OH.
H2O+ decomposes into hydrogen ion H+ and hydroxyl free radical OH.
The OH is highly reactive and
powerful OXIDIZING agent
to tissues chemical
modifications in organic
molecules of the tissues.
Damages occur at a variety of
levels:
Molecular level (DNA,
RNA and enzymes) or
Subcellular level (cell
membrane, nuclei,
chromosomes) or
Cellular level (cell division
inhibition, cell death &
malignant transformation)
Cell repair may occur (if enough time for recovery left between irradiation events)
2.2 RADIATION DOSES AND UNITS
EQUIVALENT DOSE
LET (Linear energy transfer): the sum of the energy deposited in the tissue per unit path
length.
- (High-LET) as Alpha particle : heavy and low speed, so travels short distance, likely
non-repairable damage.
- (Low-LET) as electrons & beta particles: light with high speed, causing less damage.
RBE ( Relative biological effectiveness ) : the ratio of absorbed dose required to induce the
same biological end point for two radiation types
For each tissue estimate the ABSORBED DOSE (in mGy) given to each tissue or organ
Then multiply it by Radiation Weighting Factor RWF (specific for each radiation), to obtain
the EQUIVALENT DOSE in mSv.
Multiply it by Tissue weighting factor to obtain WEIGHTED EQUIVALENT DOSE
Sum the WEIGHTED EQUIVALENT DOSE of all exposed tissues, to obtain the
EFFECTIVE DOSE in mSv.
Equivalent dose for tissue or organ takes in account of the TYPE of radiation to
determine radiation quantity.

Radiation weighting factor is indication of the effectiveness of radiation type,
compared with that of electrons in inducing cancer at low doses and low dose rates.
In X- & Gamma rays, RWF = 1 (both absorbed by 2ry electrons production).
In most medical applications, Absorbed dose = Equivalent dose
In high energy neutrons and alpha particles (Heavy particles), RW Factor = 20 as
their energy is completely deposited in much shorter range.
In low energy neutrons, RW Factor = 5.
1Sv = 1 J/kg (unit of equivalent) equals Gy for absorbed doses 1 J/kg
If a person is uniformly irradiated, by X or Gamma rays,
The whole body absorbed dose = Equivalent dose.
This occurs in occupational exposures & usually expressed in Sv.
EFFECTIVE DOSE ( Sv )
Used to compare the risk from one procedure to the other.
Effective (whole body) dose is calculated to give effective risk (independent of
uniformity of exposure of whole body)
Take into consideration the different radiosensitivity of tissues .
It is calculated by E = WT HT
T
(HT) the sum of each organ equivalent dose x its organ weighting factor (WT)

2.3 EFFECTS OF RADIATION
GENETIC:
o Occurs in the offspring of the exposed person (due to affection of germinal cells)
o Difficult to assess.
o Statistically, frequency of occurrence of genetic effect in case of irradiated parents is no
much different compared with case of non irradiated parents.
o The risk of hereditary ill-health in subsequent children & full generation without
irradiation is 1 / 70000 for exposure 1 mGy to the gonads , increases to 1 / 40000 in
reproductive population.
SOMATIC: Occurs in exposed person
DETERMINISTIC EFFECTS
They can be measured according to dose, individually considered.
Occurs on high doses (e.g. radiation accidents) unlikely in diagnostic radiology.
Threshold dose applies here ( Below this dose , no damage occur, non additive) However,
may be different from person to another
Examples:
Effect Threshold
CATARACT 5 Gy
One of the highest deterministic risks. CT can give very high eye doses.
SKIN ERYTHEME 2-5 Gy
IRREVERSIBLE SKIN DAMAGY 20-40 Gy
HAIR LOSS 2-5 Gy
GONADS 2-3 Gy sterility
FETAL ABNORMAILTY 0.1- 0.5 Gy ( 100 500 mGy)
Diarrhea and vomiting are considered also deterministic effects.
In general, thresholds are greater than 500 mSv (not common in radiology practice)
Biological changes can't be identified in less than 50 mSv.
The amount of radiation damage & Severity of the effect increases with radiation dose
(beyond the threshold),
Also with:
1.The volume of tissue irradiated.
2.The rate at which dose is given.
Dividing the dose on several events, will eliminate deterministic effect i.e. NON
CUMULATIVE (except in the lens, as it has no repair mechanism, so cataract effect is
CUMULATIVE)
A dose given to a single organ (exceeding the threshold), will cause certain effects, but if
the SAME dose given to the whole body, effect is different, the effects might not occur.
Lethal Dose: the dose that will cause 50% of the irradiated persons to die in 30 days
from exposure. (MCQ)
LD50/30 = 5 Sv whole body dose.
10 Sv whole body dose 100% lethal to humans.

Typical absorbed doses
Examination skin dose DOSE mGy
Chest PA 0.15
Abdomen AP 5
Lumbar Spine Lateral 12
Fluoroscopy 5-50 / min
CT abdomen or pelvis 10-30
STOCHASTIC EFFECTS (STATISTICAL)

Of real concern regarding diagnostic radiology
Probability of occurrence increases with dose (MCQ) not severity.
No threshold dose, thus, cancer may be induced even with small radiation doses
Cancer occurrence takes a latent period to occur, ranging from few years (e.g.
Leukemia) to up to 40 years in some solid tumors "may be not expressed within lifetime
of recipients".
Basal cell carcinoma is an example of stochastic effects.
Children are more sensitive than adults" More than double " as they have longer
years to live, increasing the probability of occurrence of cancer).
The total risk of inducing a determinant effect in population of all age & both sexes
which exposed to whole body irradiation = 5% per Sv ( 1/20000 per mSv ).
High Carcinogenic ( 0.12 tissue specific weighting factor )
Moderate Carcinogenic ( between 0.05 to 0.12 tissue specific weighting factor )
Low Carcinogenic ( < 0.05 tissue specific weighting factor )
Tissue specific radiation risk & tissue weighting factors

Tissue RISK FACTOR ( % per Sv) WT for each tissue
High Risk
Gonads - 0.08
Stomach 1.10 0.12
Colon, lung 0.85 , 0.85 0.12 , 012
Red bone marrow 0.50 0.12
Breast 0.20 0.12
Moderate Risk
Bladder, esophagus 0.30 , 0.30 0.04 , 0.04
Liver 0.15 0.04
Thyroid 0.08 0.04
Low Risk
Brain 0.10 0.01
Bone 0.05 0.01
Skin 0.02 0.01
Salivary glands - 0.01
Remainder altogether 0.50 0.012
Total ( 1 )
Risk of childhood cancer for pregnant mothers exposed to radiation.

- Is 3% per Gy ( 1/ 33000 per mGy )
- Less than this in the first few weeks in pregnancy

Examination FETAL DOSE mGy
Chest PA < 0.01
Abdomen or pelvis AP 1
Lumbar Spine ( AP & Lateral ) 1.5
Barium follow-through 2
Barium enema 6.8
CT Chest 0.06
CT Pelvis 25
Tc-99m Bone Scan 4
Tc-99m Lung perfusion Scan 0.3
Fetal risks:
Pre implantation ( 1-8 days ) : fetal death
2-8 weeks , > 250 mGy : tissue abnormalities
8-15 , > 200 mGy : mental retardation ( high risk )
16-25 , > 200 mGy : mental retardation ( low risk )
9-38 weeks ( 10-20 mGy ) : Childhood cancers
10-38 weeks : significant uptake of iodine by fetal thyroid
8-25 weeks : growth retardation
Population Dose ( Natural sources of radiation )

Cosmic radiation generated in the space , like sun but attenuated by the atmosphere , about
320 Sv per Year (air travelers receive 4 Sv per Hour , reduced atmosphere attenuation )
Terrestrial gamma rays : from the earth's crust and buildings 350 Sv per year
Internal sources : Food and drinks (from natural long lived Radionuclides "mostly
potassium 40 40K which contribute 60 % ) 270 Sv per year
Radon : Inert gas, is the largest contributor 1.3 mSv per year (but can range from
negligible to 50 mSv/year)
Radioactive gas, results from the decay of uranium.
Emits alpha-particles ( not gamma rays )
2.2 mSv comes from natural radiation
0.4 mSv from artificial sources (370 Sv) (including medical , Nuclear fallout tests ,
smoke detectors , nuclear discharge , occupational exposure )
Natural background radiation in UK (annual for all radiation sources) = 2.6 mSv
The amount of background radiation depends on the place, amount of natural

resources, what the food is & local geology.
Medical radiation is the largest share of the artificial radiation (0.37 Sv)
Medical radiation is about 14 15 % of the total background radiation (MCQ)

2.4 PRINCIPLES of RADIATION PROTECTION
Proposed by international commission of radiological protection (ICRP) , ICRP have no
role in governing the use of radiations
Composed of 3 fundamental principles: Justification Optimization Limitations.
A- JUSTIFICATION
The benefit of radiological exposure should be greater than risk
Means that any medical practice must be justified both as general procedure & as
regards the individual patient
Regarding Justification of exposures:
1. Some exposures are easier to justify than others.
2. some are unjustified (e.g. Mammography screening in 20-30 years old well women)
When does a radiological procedure considered unjustified?

1. If harm from the exposure exceeds its benefit.
2. If the patient undergoes the same radiological examination recently for the same
condition in another hospital every effort must be done to get the films &
reports.
3. If the diagnosis can be made using other technique (e.g. MRI).
4. If the procedure won't contribute to the patients management (e.g. Coccydynia)
Special cases:
Introducing radiopharmaceutical to a breast feeding woman (breast feeding may need
to be interrupted or stopped).
Female patients in the reproductive period of life "pregnant or might be pregnant"
Applies to radiographic examination of any area between the knee & diaphragm and
to Radionuclide injection.
This justification follows the "28 day rule" based on the principle that there is
little or no risk to live born child from irradiation during the first 3 weeks of
gestation (i.e. before first missed period), except from high-dose procedures (Ba
enema & Pelviabdominal CT).
Within the first 3 weeks of the gestation, the dose equivalent to a fetus not to exceed
5 mSv.
The risk of inducing cancer with this dose is 1/1000, which is same as the natural
prevalence of malignancy < 10 years.
B OPTIMIZATION
For staff and visitors,
Effective Dose should be AS LOW AS REASONBALY PRACTICABLE (ALARP)
For Patients, Radiological exposure should be as low as compatible with diagnostic
information achieved by:
o Reducing number of images (films taken)
o Reduce absorbed dose for every exposure
o Quality assurance system including periodic measurement of the patient dose.

C DOSE LIMITATION
Legal dose limits for workers & members of public should ensure:
1. No deterministic effects.
2. Reasonably low probability of stochastic effect.
Limitation of patient dose limits are not appropriate for patient dose, however
Reference values indicate levels above which exposure should be reviewed.
ANNUAL DOSE LIMITS
Dose limit (mSv)
Staff mSv Public mSv
Effective Dose 20 1
Equivalent Dose :
Lens of the eye 150 15
Skin , Hands, forearms, feet, ankles 500 50
Abdomen of women of reproductive capacity 13 ( in any consecutive 3 moth period ) -
Fetus of pregnant employee 1 -
The annual (whole body) dose limits for workers = 20 mSv.
Trainees aged under 18 years dose is 3/10 of the employee dose ( 6 mSv )

UK legislation ;
The health & safety at work Act ( HSWA ), covers all radiation use in a legal
context
Two groups works under HSWA :
A. The health & safety commission HSC
B. The Health & safety Executive HSE
HSE is the effectively policing compliance with the law having the powers on
inspection and prosecution
HSC published three documents :
1. The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 IRR99 (legal requirement)
2. Approved Code of practice ACOP ( outlines means of compliance with IRR 99 )
( NOT legal requirement )
3. Guidance for good practice ( lesser status of ACOP )
Ionising Radiation(Medical Exposure) regulations - IR(ME)R2000
(Enforcing authority is the healthcare commission not HSE)
Medical & Dental Guidance Notes , practical guide to the healthcare use of
ionising radiations & consider the means of compliance with all legislations
THE IONISING RADIAIONS REGULATIONS 1999
Notification of specified work

A radiation employer shall not for the first time carry out work with ionising radiation
unless at least 28 days before commencing that work he has notified the Executive of his
intention to carry out that work.
Radiation protection advisor (RPA)

There should be a radiation protection advisor (RPA) in every radiological facility.
RPA must have qualification approved by HSE
May be an employee or external consultant ( usually medical physicist )
Have experience of the employer's business
Prior risk assessment etc.
Before a radiation employer commences a new activity involving work with ionizing
radiation, he shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to any employee
and other person for the purpose of identifying the measures he needs to take to restrict the
exposure.
An assessment should -
(a) identify all hazards; and
(b) Evaluate the nature and magnitude of the risks to employees and other persons arising
from those hazards.

If the assessment shows that a radiation risk to employees or other persons exists from an
identifiable radiation accident, the radiation employer shall take all reasonably practicable
steps to :
(a) prevent any accident;
(b) limit the consequences of any such accident which does occur; and
(c) Provide employees with the information, instruction and training, and equipments
necessary, to restrict their exposure to ionising radiation.
(d) prepare a contingency plan designed to secure the restriction of exposure to ionizing
radiation and the health and safety of persons who may be affected by such accident
& he shall ensure that:
a copy of the contingency plan is identified in the local rules;
any employee under his control who may be involved in the plan has been given
suitable and sufficient instructions and where appropriate issued with suitable
dosimeters or other devices; and
Rehearsals of the arrangements in the plan at suitable intervals.
Dose Limits for pregnant staff:
- A dose limit is set that is equal to the limit for Public
- For diagnostic X-ray the feta; dose assumed to be 50 % of the abdominal surface dose
recorded on the dose monitor
- For radionuclide image is 100 % equal recorded dose.
Women of reproductive capacity, an abdominal dose limit is set to 13 mSv in any
consecutive 3 moth period
Comforters & Carers ( Helpers ):
- A non medical staff incurs a dose in excess of the public due to exceptional
situations, like the mother or close contact person who stays with child receiving a
radioactive therapeutic doses.
- Dose limit is 5 mSv (1mSv if pregnant).
- The employee should explain the risks , provide guidance on precautions
- This doses cannot be applied to employees
- Parent holding his young child in position while x-Ray exposure is not a comforter &
carer situation.
DOSE LIMITS
Employees of 18 years of age or above
Effective dose limit is 20 mSv in any calendar year (100 mSv in any 5 consecutive
calendar years)
Trainees aged under 18 years ( 3/10 of the employee dose )
Effective dose limit is 6 mSv in any calendar year.
Women of reproductive capacity
Equivalent dose limit from external radiation for the abdomen of a woman employee of
reproductive capacity 13 mSv in any consecutive period of three months.
Any person other than an employee or trainee including any person below the age of
16 Effective dose limit is 1 mSv in any calendar year.
Any person (not being a comforter or carer) who may be exposed to ionising
radiation resulting from the medical exposure of another the effective dose limit
on is 5 mSv in any period of 5 consecutive calendar years.

In practice, staff members generally receive doses less than 3 mSv/year
Even interventional radiologists SHOULD NOT exceed 30% of the occupational dose
limit/year
Staff who likely to exceed 30% of any annual dose limits for workers is considered
"CLASSIFIED" (e.g. > 6 mSv whole body dose) Health & Radiation monitoring is
statutory.
They must subject to regular medical surveillance by an appointed doctor.
Monitored by dosimetry services 'approved' by HSE.
Their records are kept centrally in the Central Index of Dose Information operated by HSE
for 50 years.
Designation of areas & control of working practice

CONTROLLED AREAS:
Required as a further control when inherent shielding of the source (X-ray tube and
radiopharmaceutical syringes) is not enough the area around the shielded source is
designated as a controlled area.
Controlled areas have physical boundaries that are able to prevent radiation penetration
(above specific level).
Controlled area should be clearly defined boundaries.
This is simple to achieve in an x-ray room but more difficult with mobile X-ray set
where the controlled area is determined by eye as extending for 2 meters around tube.
Every diagnostic X-ray tube produces a large amount of radiation exposure
Has to be contained within a controlled area.
In nuclear medicine, area is defined controlled, wherever:
A generator is located, or
There is a syringe containing radiopharmaceutical.
Controlled area should have restricted access (to radiation workers & others who work
under "written system of work")
"Written system of work" organize work within controlled area to ensure that radiology
workers can't receive dose > 30% of any dose limit.
Personal protection should take place within controlled area (e.g. 2.5 mm lead screens,
lead rubber aprons and gloves, lead glasses, etc.)
The external dose rate could not exceed 7.5 Sv per hour
N.B. in practice, radiology and nuclear medicine staff receives doses below the public
dose limit.
SUPERVISED AREAS:
Areas which there is a possibility of exposure of staff or the public but the doses are
insufficient to require designation
But it likely that any person in supervised area could exceed the dose limit for public (1
mSv per year )
Example of supervised area is he waiting room for patient injected with contrast as
preparation for imaging study.

Radiation protection supervisor ( RPS )
Must be appointed for the purpose of securing compliance of local rules with these
Regulations.
Name must be in Local Rules
Normally a senior radiographer ( Technician )
Specific responsibilities:
- Preparation & review of local rules
- Supervision of staff dose monitoring
- Investigation of instances of excessive dose
- Risk assessments
- Contamination monitoring with radioactive sources
- Testing personal protective equipments
- Ensuring that an effective quality assurance programme for x-ray is in place.
EQUIPMENT:
"Radiation equipment" means equipment which delivers ionising radiation to the person
undergoing a medical exposure and equipment which directly controls the extent of the
exposure.
(1) Every employer who controls any equipment which is used for medical exposure shall
ensure that such equipment is of such design or construction and is so installed and
maintained to be capable of restricting the exposure to ionising radiation of any
person undergoing a medical exposure "diagnostic, therapeutic or research" to a
compatible extent.
(2) An employer who controls any radiation equipment "installed after the date of these
Regulations" shall ensure that it is provided with suitable means for informing its user
of the quantity of radiation produced during examinations
(3) Every employer shall make arrangements to provide a suitable quality assurance
programme for the equipment to ensure it remains capable of restricting exposure.

(4) The quality assurance programme shall provide: -
i. Adequate testing of New equipments before its first use for clinical purposes by an
RPA appointed by the employer.
ii. Adequate testing of the performance of the equipment at appropriate intervals and
after any major maintenance procedure.
iii. Measurements at suitable intervals to enable the assessment of doses to persons
undergoing medical exposures.
Standard X-Ray equipment guidance note:

- Leakage radiation should ne less than 1 mGy per hour at distance 1 m from the focus
- Total filtration should stated on the tube casting , should not be less than 2.5 mm aluminum
equivalent ( 1.5 in dental x ray equipment )
- Use collimation and exposure switches.
- The tube housing (and support plate for image intensifier ) should be at least 2 mm lead
equivalent.
- Fluoroscopy dose rate : - skin entrance dose should not exceed 100 mGy per min
PERSONAL DOSIMETRY SYSTEMS

Radiation dosimeter = any device which is capable of measuring absorbed dose.
In particular the ideal dosimeter must be able to;
A- Record doses of different types of radiation (eg x-rays, particles, positrons etc)
B- Record doses over a wide range of radiation energies (i.e. its response should be the same
when measuring 20 keV -rays as it should for measuring 511 keV -rays Record doses over
a wide range of values (ie it should be able to measure very small and very large doses
accurately
C- Measure doses independent of environmental conditions (temperature, pressure & humidity).
FILM BADGES
Most used in diagnostic radiology.
It is a film without screens - same size as a dental film.
It is double coated:
One emulsion is slow unaffected by normal occupational doses;
The other emulsion is fast used to assess normal occupational doses.
High (accidental and emergency) doses:
1. Completely blacken the fast emulsion radiation dose cannot be assessed.
2. The slow emulsion lesser blackening allows assessment of high dose.
Monitoring films are placed in a plastic cassette or 'badge' which:
Pinned to the clothing.
Carry an identification of the wearer.
Most importantly incorporates plastic and metal filters to differentiate the radiations
received
CALIBRATION:
Each month, films from a single manufacturing batch similar sensitivities
Stamped with identifying serial numbers (seen through the open window).
A proportion of these are retained in the laboratory as calibration films.
Calibration is by exposure known doses of gamma rays from a long half-life radioactive

source, e.g. the 662 keV gamma rays from 137Cs.
PROCESSING:
Dosimeters are worn for a month returned to approved dosimetry laboratory
Then, the films are all processed under carefully controlled conditions.
The densities of the calibration films are measured, and a graph is plotted of density of
blackening under a lead filter versus dose.
The densities of the badge films are then measured the received doses are read from
the appropriate calibration curve.
MECHANISM:
The operation of the dosimeter is based on the photochemical reaction, i.e. radiation
reacts with the film emulsion which darkens according to dose when developed.
The emulsion contains high atomic number elements "than tissue or air" the optical
density of the film caused by a given dose of radiation will increase at low energies due
to an increase in the number of photoelectric events.
The film dosemeter is energy-dependent.

For example, diagnostic X-rays produce about 10 times the blackening as the same
absorbed dose of gamma rays from diagnostic radionuclides.
Film badge is usually exposed to mixed radiations
To identify the various energy components, the film is sandwiched between at least three
pairs of filters: (a) 'thick plastic', (b) aluminum, and (c) tin with a thin lead foil
The film badge can also measure other kinds of ionizing radiations.
To assess the dose of beta rays of various energies one or more thin plastic filters +
the thick one + open window (no filter).
To assess the dose from slow neutrons an additional filter of cadmium.
interpretation of the badge film:
By measuring the optical densities of the film under each filter it is possible to estimate
the energy and type of radiation which was responsible for the dose + suitable
corrections for the energy dependence.
Because the characteristic curve of the film is only linear over a limited range of
doses film badges are only able to measure doses from ~0.2 1000 mSv "suitable
for diagnostic radiology".
1. Pattern of shadows of the three filters indicate type(s) of radiation.
2. The densities under each filter using the relative speed of the film to radiations of
different energies, and the calibration curve Dose of mixed radiations.
3. A sharp edge to the shadows of the filters a single exposure to direct rays from one
direction;
A blurred edge scattered rays or multiple small exposures from different directions.
Spots of intense blackening a radioactive spill (MCQ).
Adv.: small, lightweight and cheap and forms a permanent dose record.
Disadv.
Used only once.
Affected by excessive temperature and humidity.
Lower threshold for hard gamma radiation is 0.15 mSv.

THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS ( TLDs )
More expensive, so less common in radiology than film badges.
Adv.: particularly useful for measuring extremity doses.
TLDs depend on the principle of luminescence & thermoluminescence.
Different forms and materials, a small chip of lithium fluoride (3 x 3 mm)
mounted in a plastic holder + carries identifying details & pinned to the wearer.
In other forms, TL dosimeters are also used to:
1. Measure patient dose in radiological procedures.
2. Mounted in rings to measure staff finger doses.
3. Mounted in sachets, placed on the forehead to estimate eye doses.
The badges are worn for a prescribed period then, returned to the approved dosimetry
laboratory for processing.
MECHANISM:
When X- or gamma rays fall on thermoluminescent (TL) material "lithium fluoride"
absorbed atomic electrons are raised to higher energy levels the electrons stay
indefinitely in their excited state (in 'electron traps'), and the material retains a 'memory'
of the radiation exposure.
The greater the dose absorbed, the more electrons are 'trapped'.
TLDs show a linear response over a wide range of doses, unlike film badges.
LiF has an effective atomic number very close to that of soft tissue the dose recorded
by a TLD is very close to the soft tissue dose over a wide range of radiation energies.
TLDs can measure doses across a range of ~0.1 2000 mSv.
The response "signal per unit dose" of TLDs shows small variation with energy as
compared to film badges.
PROCESSING:
The device which heats the chips & measures light output = TLD reader.
The chip of TL material is inserted in a light-tight chamber its temperature is raised to
300-400C at a carefully controlled rate the trapped electrons leave the traps and fall
to their ground state & emit photons of light.
Light is collected and measured by a photoelectric device ('glow curve') is drawn
the dose is digitized and stored in a computer, together with the glow curve.
The total light energy emitted under the curve is proportional to the dose of X- or
gamma rays originally absorbed.
The chip is then annealed "overheated 400-500C" to remove any residual stored energy
from previous exposure return to original & can be reused.
Calibration is performed as with film dosimeters.
OPTICAL SIMULATED LUMINESCENT DOSIMETERS( OSLs )
The material ( Aluminum oxide ) has a similar properties to the phosphors used in CR
Following radiation by X-Ray , the material emits light in proportion to the dose when is
exposed to light
The light source is a laser
Increased sensitivity. ( down to 0.01 mSv)

DIRECT-READING ELECTRONIC DOSEMETERS ( EPD )
Based on Geiger-Muller tubes or single silicon diodes.
Provide effective alarms and immediate dose readings.
Used in areas with real risks of high exposures.
Highly energy depend , give accurate measurements down to 20 keV
High sensitivity. Up to 1 Sv
However, these devices have a very poor response to photon energies below around 80
keV Unable to detect low-energy gamma radiation and diagnostic X-rays.
Personal dosimetry systems: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
film badges
- Relatively cheap - Requires dark room and wet processing

- Permanent record of the exposure - Lower threshold for hard gamma
- Wide range of dose (0.1-0.2 mSv) radiation is 0.15 mSv
- Identifies type and energy of exposure - Is affected by heat, humidity &
- Easy to identify individual dosimeters chemicals
Thermoluminescent (TL) personal dosimeters
- Chips can be reused - Requires a high capital outlay

- Wide range of dose (0.1-0.2 mSv) - No permanent record
- Direct reading of personal dose - Cannot distinguish radioactive
- Energy independent within 10% contamination
- Compact suitable for finger - Integrated with film badge to provide
dosimetry energy discrimination
- No dose rate
electronic personal dosemeter (EPD)
- Direct reading and cumulative record - Initial cost

storage (up to 16 Sv) - Linear response to dose
- Flat response: 20 keV to 10 MeV. - Is quite heavy, but weighs less than a
- Can be 'zeroed' by user without deleting hospital 'bleep'
cumulative record - Battery should be renewed each year
- Measures personal dose at depth and at
the skin directly, to 1 Sv
- Audible warning of high dose rate
Radiation Accidents & Overexposures:

The employee should notify HSE in the following incidents :
a) Individual received a dose greater than any relevant dose limit , including workers ,
member of the public or fetus of the pregnant woman.
b) A radiation source spill , causing significant contamination , or it has been stolen or lost
( in case of TC-99 , notification is required if loss more than 100 MBq )
c) A patient has received a greater dose due to equipment fault, using the multiplying factors

Type of diagnostic examination Guideline multiplying factor
Interventional radiology
Radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures involving 1.5
contrast agents
Nuclear medicine: intended E > 5 mSv
CT examinations
Mammography 10
Nuclear medicine: intended E < 5 mSv but > 0.5 mSv
All other radiographic examinations
Extremities, skull, chest, dental ,elbow, knee, and

shoulder 20
Nuclear medicine: intended E 0.5 mSv
Ionising Radiation(Medical Exposure )regulations - IR(ME)R2000

Aims to Protection of patients ( AND Health screening , occupational health surveys
medico-legal procedure and research programs )
Breaches of the IR (ME)R can be dealt with under criminal law.
Employer : Has the OVERALL responsibility
Duties of employee:
I- Responsibilities for radiation safety:
(1) Not expose himself or any other person to IR greater than necessary for the purposes of
his work.
(2) Shall exercise reasonable care while carrying out his work.
(3) If a personal protective equipment is provided to him, he shall:
(a) Make full and proper use of personal protective equipment.
(b) Report the employer for any defect in personal protective equipment.
(c) Ensure personal protective equipment is returned after use to the accommodation
provided for it.
(4) Shall notify his employer of any overexposure, radiation accident or RA substance
leakage.
(5) Report equipment defects.
II- Extra-duties for classified persons:
(1)Not to misuse the radiation passbook or falsify any information in it
(2)Comply with the local rules, dose measurements & assessment for classified workers.
(3)Subject to medical surveillance:
When required by his employer.
At the cost of the employer & during working hours.
(4) Shall provide the appointed doctor or employment medical adviser with such
information concerning his health
Duties of the Referrer: ( the person who initiate the X ray request ):
Supply the practitioner with sufficient medical data relevant to the medical exposure to
enable the practitioner to decide on whether there is a sufficient net benefit.

Duties of Practitioner & Operator:
Practitioner ( consider justification and Operator ( practical aspect of exposure )

authorization )
(1) Responsible for the justification of a (1) Responsible for each and every practical
medical exposure aspect which he carries out.
(2) Not necessarily a medic could be a (2) In fluoroscopy, ensure AEC used unless
radiographer if specialized in certain other method justified.
procedures.
(3) Both shall comply with the employer's procedures.
(4) Must cooperate with other specialists & staff involved in the exposure.
(5) Undergo continuing education or training.
Medical Physics Experts ( MPE ):
Medical physics experts must have a science degree & experienced in the application of
physics to the diagnostic & therapeutic uses of ionizing radiation.
Duties of medical physics expert:

a) Give advice on radiation protection concerning medical exposure.
b) closely involved in every radiotherapeutic practice other than standardized therapeutic
nuclear medicine practices;
c) available in standardized therapeutic nuclear medicine practices and in diagnostic nuclear
medicine practices;
In all other radiological practices he shall be involved for consultation on optimization,
including patient dosimetry and quality assurance.
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ACT 93 (RSA93)

The main points of the RSA are summarized below;
Its main function is to control the spread of radioactivity in the environment.
It is enforced by the Environment Agency (EA).
It is concerned with the storage & use of radioactive materials. It also deals with
the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste.
All users of radioactive materials must be registered with the Environment
Agency.
Registration to keep & use RAS: limits activity & number of sources.
Clear and legible records of all radioactive materials held on the premises must be
produced and maintained.
Those users who wish to accumulate and dispose of radioactive waste require
authorisation to do so from the EA.
There are legal limits on the amount of radioactive waste that can be accumulated
and disposed of each month from the department (this is specified by the
Environment Agency).
The user must hold up to date records of all waste disposals.
Lost RAS or radioactive waste must be reported to police & EA.

Medicines (Administration of Radioactive Substances)
MARS Reg. 1978:
No person shall administer to a human being (otherwise than to himself) any
radioactive medicinal product unless he is doctor or dentist holding a
certificate issued by the Health Minister or a person acting in accordance
with the directions of such a doctor or dentist. ( NOT holding ARSAC
certificate )
In order to assist ministers in the awarding of certificates the Administration of
Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) was established.
ARSAC comprises 20 members with a range of professional backgrounds (however,
the chairperson is always a clinician) and the certificates they award are referred to
as ARSAC certificates.
ARSAC certificates can be issued for diagnostic, therapeutic and research
procedures. Written applications must be supported by the local RPA,
radiopharmacist and MPE.
Practical Aspects of Radiation Protection

RADIATIONS SOURCES
a) Primary "Direct" beam
No-one other than the patient should be exposed to the direct beam.
Special care is needed in fluoroscopy, overcouch or C-arm tube & mobile
radiography.
b) Transmitted Radiation
On the exit side of the patient
c) Leakage radiation
Leakage radiation is emitted in all directions from the tube housing.
leakage has a higher average energy (& HVL) than the primary beam because of
the selective absorption of low energy photons in the housing.
The leakage radiation measured at a distance of 1 m from the focus for 1 hour
must not be more than 1 mSv, and is typically < 0.1 mSv.
To Protect:
1. The tube housing incorporates lead shielding defines the useful beam and absorbs the
majority of the off-axis photons.
2. The cones, diaphragm, and the housing of the light beam diaphragm.
3. The housing of the image intensifier has a lead equivalent of 2.5 mm.
d) Scattered radiation
X-rays are scattered in all directions when the X-ray beam strikes any object,
including the patient "a source of scattered rays"
At the x-ray energies used in planar radiography (25-50keV):
Because the intensity of the beam is greatest where it enters the body (and most of
the forward scatter will be absorbed in the body)
Intensity of backscatter from patient is higher than in any other direction.

The average energy (or HVL) of scattered radiation is about the same as the
primary beam (remember, low energy x-rays lose vary little energy during
Compton scattering), and the intensity or dose-rate due to scatter increases with the
size of the primary beam.
Typically, the dose-rate due to scattered radiation at 1m from a patient is ~ 0.1% of the ESD.
To Protect:
1. Radiologist & radiographer should be as far away from patient as practicable.
2. During fluoroscopy procedures involving lateral views, staffs are advised to stand
at the exit side of the patient rather than the side where the beam enters the body
3. Lead-rubber aprons and curtains, glass screens, etc., should be used.
4. When injecting contrast in CT:
a) High kV techniques high side scatter.
b) Avoid the area close to the aperture highest scatter.
REDUCTION OF EXPOSURE
Distance
The inverse square law affords the cheapest form of protection.
The dose rate from a small (point) source will decrease with the square of the distance
One large step away usually reduces the dose rate four times.
Precautions:
X-ray rooms must be adequately large.
No one should stay in the X-ray room or expose to X-ray unnecessarily:
Near the patient in ward radiography.
During CT warm-up procedures.
Keep as far as possible from the X-ray source, except if necessary:
In ward radiography, the exposure switch has a cable which allows the
operator to stand at least 2 m from the patient.
In fixed equipment radiographer is not leaving the protective cubicle
containing control panel during exposure.
In nuclear medicine:
Once patients have been injected they become sources of exposure to staff.
Waiting areas are designed to avoid unnecessary exposure to others.
Staff should be able to position and then image the patient with the gamma
camera without being unnecessarily exposed.
Undercouch fluoroscopy units are preferred to Undercouch units.
In overcouch unit,
Staff are closer to the x-ray tube.
Staff experiences a higher intensity of scattered radiation because of the
increased incidence of backscatter from the patient.
Speed and time
The dose delivered to any individual = dose-rate x time
Fast recording media and short screening times patient & staff dose.
time of exposure in interventional procedures & time spend close to nuclear
medicine patients after being injected.
In fluoroscopy there is a timer with a maximum setting of 10 min. (exposing the
same part of the patient for long times skin erythema).

Shielding by barriers
The shielding material, its thickness and its geometry with respect to the source are
all dependent on:
- The energy of the x-rays,
- The intensity of the beams,
- Their orientation within the room,
- The expected workload
- The level of occupancy of rooms adjacent to the x-ray room.
Shielding is most often used to:
1 Absorb leakage radiation from the x-ray tube.
2 Absorb scattered radiation from the patient.
3 Absorb primary radiation that has passed through the patient (this shielding is
incorporated into the walls and doors of the x-ray room).
Structural shielding is designed to reduce the dose-rate in an area adjacent to the
x-ray room to an acceptable level.
Acceptable level depends on what the adjacent area is used for. Clearly, frequently
occupied areas by other staff and/or the general public will require greater control
of the radiation dose-rate than those that act as store rooms etc.
Protective barriers should be used when an exposure is made.
If this is not practicable, distance and protective clothing should be used.
The protective screen around the control panel protects against scatter only
the primary beam must never point toward it.
The panel is usually made of plywood incorporating 2.5 mm of lead, which
reduce the exposure to the public dose limit, without protective clothing.
It includes a lead glass window giving a clear view of the patient.
Protective clothing
Lead aprons should be worn by anybody who must enter an x-ray room while
exposure.
Protective clothing does not protect against the direct beam but only attenuated
or scattered radiation by the patient.
When palpating, a glove is worn of at least 0.25 mm and preferably 0.35 mm
lead equivalent.
When injecting, the hands must be outside the direct beam.
Standard body aprons:
Cover 75% of the red bone marrow.
Not less than 0.25 mm lead equivalent (which typically transmits only 5% of
scattered radiation only ( NOT primary )at standard operating kVp .
In interventional radiology, aprons should cover as large an area as possible and
have a front of 0.35 or 0.5 mm lead equivalent. ( transmit 3% , 1.5%
respectively )
They must be stored carefully without folding, e.g. draped over a thick rail, to
avoid cracking.
They are examined periodically using X-rays to check for cracks.
Thyroid protection shields recommended to be worn during fluoroscopic
procedures.

Lead glass spectacles may be worn during some interventional procedures, or a
pull-down lead glass window may be used.
Large drapes of 0.5 mm lead equivalent are used in fluoroscopy
In gamma imaging thin lead protection "adequate for X-rays", is
insufficient.
In this case, distance and time are important factors for staff dose reduction when
the patient is the source.
Protection of the Patient:
- Collimation
- Magnified filed in fluoroscopy, and the intensifier kept close to the patient.
- Supplementary shielding ( covering gonads in hips X-Ray )
- Removal of antiscatter grid.
- Increased filtration
Patient effective doses

Typical Effective Doses
Examination DOSE mSv
High Dose : ( exceed 2 mSv )
CT Abdomen or pelvis 10
CT Chest 8
Barium Enema 7
Tc-99m bone scan 4
Barium meal 3
Intravenous urogram 2.5
CT head 2
Medium Dose : ( between 0.02 mSv to 2mSv)

Barium Swallow 1.5
Lumbar spine ( 2 views ) 1.3
Tc-99m lung perfusion 1
Pelvis AP 0.7
Skull ( 2 views ) 0.07
Low Dose : ( low 0.02 mSv )

Chest PA 0.02
Shoulder AP 0.005
Dental ( 2 films ) 0.004
Extremities < 0.01
Measuring the dose to a patient is an important part of any medical exposure
because:
The dose can be used to predict the occurrence of adverse health effects.
Used, by comparison with a diagnostic reference level (DRL), as an index to check
that the procedure had been optimized.
Measuring the absorbed dose the patient receives is actually very difficult.
Instead, the following indices can be recorded to estimate patient dose during screen-
film radiography or fluoroscopy.

Entrance skin dose (ESD):
The dose at the patients skin surface where the x-ray beam enters the body.
It consists of the dose due to the primary (unscattered) beam + the dose due to
backscattered radiation from the patient.
It can be measured using:
TLDs: most common, must be accurately calibrated, placed on the skin surface of
the patient.
Ionization chambers: measure air kerma rate.
Measured in units of mGy.
For a more complete estimation of the risk from the exposure the field size
should also be recorded with the ESD.
Dose-Area Product (DAP)
A measure of the total x-ray energy absorbed by the patient.
2
It is measured in units of mGy cm
It is measured using a DAP meter, which is Parallel-plate ionization chamber filled
with air ( Not TLD )
Sits just below the diaphragms/collimator in the x-ray tube.
The current recorded by the DAP meter depends on both the intensity and the area
of the beam (hence dose-area product).
It is important to record the DAP during fluoroscopy because non-standard
field-sizes are often used & beam direction changes during the examination.
Naturally, if neither of these measurements can be made on a patient the dose
delivered to the patient can be estimated indirectly from knowledge of the:
1 Beam parameters (e.g. kVp, mAs & HVL),

2 Beam orientations (e.g. AP, PA, lateral views etc)
3 Field sizes for each view
4 Focus-Skin distance for each view
5 Patient size/thickness for each view
For routine screen-film investigations where standard procedures are followed (ie
kVp, HVL and FSD are constant) it is often enough to record the mAs as a
measure of the patient dose during the procedure.
In fluoroscopy, the beam-on time is the parameter which is often recorded.
In CT studies the CT Dose Index (CTDI) is parameter of patient dose.
In nuclear medicine studies the injected activity in MBq
Diagnostic Reference Levels DRLs:

Guidance for dose levels for typical examination ( NOT dose limits restriction)
Can be different for the same examination in different hospitals
They expressed as DAP, Kv, mAs, NOT entrance dose
Local DRLs can be higher than national , if justified.

Examination skin dose ENTRANCE DOSE mGy ESD Dose Area Product DAP
Typical National DRL Typical National DRL
Skull AP or PA 1.9 3 - -
Chest PA 0.12 0.2 0.09 0.12
Lumbar Spine AP 4.3 6 1.3 1.6
Lumbar Spine Lateral 10 14 2.1 3
Pelvis AP 3.2 4 2.0 3
Abdomen 5 7
Intravenous Urogram - - 12 16
Barium Meal - - 9 13
Barium Enema - - 22 31
Coronary Angiogram - - 26 36
Detectors
The efficiency (sensitivity) of a detector is a measure of its ability to detect radiation
May be classified by the type of information produced:
(1) Counters e.g. Geiger-Mueller (GM) detectors:
Detectors that indicate the no. of interactions occurring in the detector.
(2) Spectrometers e.g. NaI scintillation detectors:
Detectors yield information about the energy distribution of incident radiation.
(3) Dosimeters:
Detectors that indicate the net amount of energy deposited in the detector by
multiple interactions.
GAS-FILLED DETECTORS
Three types of gas-filled detectors in common use:
Ionization chambers
Proportional counters
Geiger-Mueller (GM) counters
Ionization chambers:
Use:
1. Portable dose rate meters for dose surveys within the hospital.
2. The detectors in most x-ray machine phototimer.
3. Dose-area product (DAP) meters allow assessment of patient doses.
Geiger-muller tube:
GM counters must contain gases with specific properties
Gas amplification produces billions of ion pairs after an interaction signal from
detector requires little amplification
It detects individual ionization events as electric pulses which can be counted, but
the pulse size is independent of energy.
In general, GM survey meters are inefficient detectors of x-rays and gamma rays.
Sometimes, used in dose measurements.
It have got a central wire (anode)
Quenching agent (alcohol or bromide) is added to the counting gas (argon/helium)
to prevent the discharge continuing before another pulse is detected.
It has a long dead time of about 300 microsecond (i.e. two interactions must be
separated by a finite amount of time if they are to produce distinct signals)
during dead time, no more detections can be made.

Chapter 3
IMAGING WITH X-RAYS

IMAGING WITH X-RAYS
Properties:
A- Contrast: the ability to distinguish between adjacent areas
B- Spatial resolution: the ability to detect fine details
Tested with ( Grid test object ) , consist of a number of equally spaced
bars and the space between bars is the same width of the bar.
A bar and a space make up a line pair & spatial frequency of a pattern
is given as the number of line pairs per mm
There is several groups of line pairs with progressively reduced
spacing & the smallest visible detail size is about half of the inverse of
the given line pairs ( example : with resolution 10 lp/mm , smallest
detail seen about 0.05 mm ( 50 m )
C- Noise: (See later in chapter 4)
3.1 ATTENUATION OF X-RAYS BY THE PATIENT
In conventional projection radiography, a fairly uniform, featureless beam of X-
radiation falls on the patient differentially absorbed by the tissues of the body
the X-ray beam emerging from the patient carries a pattern of intensity which
is dependent on the thickness and composition of the organs in the body.
Superimposed on the absorption pattern is an overall pattern of scattered
radiation.
The X-rays emerging from the patient are captured on a large flat phosphor
screen converts the invisible X-ray image into a visible image of light, which
then is either:
o Recorded as a negative image on film, to be viewed on a light box
(illuminator); or
o Displayed as a positive image on a video monitor.
In this chapter, we consider the invisible X-ray image and some consequences of
the properties of X-rays described in the previous chapter, namely:
1. They travel in straight lines; and
2. They are absorbed and scattered when traveling through matter.
LIMITING PATIENT DOSE
The film-screen or any other imaging system used to convert the X-rays into light
requires a specific or minimum dose to produce a satisfactory image. (About 1
Gy per radiograph when using sensitive rare-earth screens; 1 Gy per second of
fluoroscopy). This is THE EXIT DOSE emerging from the patient.
THE ENTRANCE DOSE "that to the skin proximal to the tube" has to be much
higher because of the high attenuation of X-rays by the patient.
10 times greater for a posteroanterior chest,
100 for an anteroposterior abdomen or skull,
1000 for a lateral pelvis.

THE AVERAGE DOSE lies somewhere between the entrance and exit doses.
THE EFFECTIVE DOSE, for reasons given in Chapter 6, is smaller.
One of the limiting factors in X-ray imaging is THE ACCEPTABLE DOSE of
radiation that can be delivered to the patient. Patient dose should be as small as
possible, consistent with producing an image satisfactory for clinical purposes.
Effect of tube kilovoltage on patient dose
Kilovoltage (kV) beam is more penetrating the proportion of high-
energy photons which reach the film-screen & no. of low-energy photons
absorbed in skin & body soft tissue.
A lower entrance dose is needed for the same exit dose.
kV the skin dose and, to a lesser extent, the dose to deeper tissues.
N.B.:
Whereas the output of the X-ray tube (Intensity) and the skin dose rate are
proportional to kV2, the film-screen dose is nearly proportional to kV4 (The
exponent is 3-5, dependent on patient thickness and field size).
Effect of focus-film distance on patient dose

Increasing the focus-film distance (FFD) reduces the dose to the patient.
This is illustrated in Fig. 2.1.
In delivering a specific dose to the film-screen AB, a sufficient number of
photons need to enter the skin.
At the shorter FFD, with the focal spot at T', they are concentrated onto a
smaller surface area C'D' and produce a higher skin dose;
While at the longer FFD, with the focal spot at T the beam area is larger
(according to the inverse square low) So, the beam are spread over a larger
surface area of skin CD and produce a lower skin dose.
While increasing the FFD necessitates the charge (mAs) to produce the desired
number of photons at the film-screen (to overcome reduction in intensity with
distance according to inverse square low), however still the skin dose incurred in
producing an acceptable image is , and to a lesser extent the dose to deeper tissues.

e.g. in case of a digital radiography machine, abdomen AP view at 90 kV needs about
4.5 mAs at 110 cm FFD, while it takes 8.5 mAs at 150 cm FFD to produce the same
image quality.
BUT, still dose is less to the skin in the second case, in spite of the increased mAs.
Other factors affecting skin dose:
Filtration reduces the skin dose in spite of the fact that an increase in mAs is
needed.
Skin dose increases linearly with mAs.
SUBJECT CONTRAST
A structure in the patient is demonstrated by two things:
Resolution, sharpness, or lack of blurring of the image of its boundary
Contrast between it and adjacent tissues caused by differences in the transmission
of X-rays.
We study CONTRAST first, with the aid of a very simple example.
Figure 2.2a shows X-radiation passing through a single structure 1 (e.g. bone, contrast
medium, or gas) surrounded by another material 2 (e.g. soft tissue).
Figure 2.2b shows the pattern of X-rays 'seen' in the image.
Contrast in the pattern of X-rays leaving the subject compares:

E1, the intensity or dose rate of the rays which have passed through such a
structure
E2, the intensity of those which have passed through the adjacent tissue.
While, all the rays suffer the same attenuation by the tissue layers lying above and
below the structure.
Contrast is due to the differential attenuation by the structure of thickness t and
by an equal thickness of the adjacent tissues.

Accordingly, subject contrast C depends on:
The thickness t of the structure.
The difference in linear attenuation coefficients "1-2" of the tissues involved.
Thus
C (1 2) t
Structure thickness contrast.
As attenuation depends on tissue density and atomic number:
The more the two tissues differ in these respects the greater the contrast.
The higher the kV the smaller the attenuation coefficients the less the
contrast.
Figure 2.3 shows how the linear attenuation coefficient depends on photon energy in the
case of air, fat, muscle, bone, and iodine contrast medium.
It will be seen that:

Contrast C between bone (Z = 13) and muscle, which is proportional to the
vertical distance between the two curves, is large but decreases noticeably when
the tube kV is increased, due to the effect of photoelectric absorption in bone;
The same is true of the contrast between iodine contrast media and soft tissue.
The contrast between the low atomic number tissues, e.g. fat (Z = 6) and muscle
(Z = 7.4), is small and does not decrease very much when the tube kV is
increased.
The contrast between air and tissue, which have similar atomic numbers, is due to
the large difference in density.
Contrast media
One of the problems in radiography is the low contrast between soft tissues.
o One way of increasing contrast is to use a lower kV;
o Another is to use a contrast medium.
Radio opaque media are chosen to have 1) high atomic number to maximize
photoelectric absorption & 2) high density.
Ideally, the absorption edge should lie just to the left of the major part of the
spectrum of X-rays leaving the patient.

Last Figure shows that this is the case with iodine (Z = 53, EK = 33 keV).
Barium (Z = 56, EK = 37 keV) also has a favorably placed absorption edge,
and in addition a high density. Contrast media are compounds of one or other
of these elements.
Air and other gases (negative contrast media) the use of which as contrast
media relied on their low density have been replaced by CT and MRI.
3.2 EFFECT OF SCATTERED RADIATION

Theprimaryradiationcarriestheinformationtobeimaged,whilethescattered
radiation obscures it. This is similar to the way in which the light in a room
affectstheimageseenonatelevisionscreen.
Theamount(S)ofscatteredradiationreachingapointonthefilmscreenmaybe
severaltimestheamount(P)ofprimaryradiationreachingthepoint.
TheratioS/Pdependsonthethicknessofthepartandtheareaofthebeam.
Theratioistypically4:1foraPAchest(only20%ofthephotonsrecordedby
thefilmscreencarryusefulinformation)&9:1foralateralpelvis.
Sincethescatteredradiationismoreorlessuniformovertheimage,itactslikea
veilandreducesthecontrastwhichwouldotherwisebeproducedbytheprimary
raysbythefactor(1+S/P),whichmaybeanythingupto10times.
This is illustrated in Fig. 2.4a, which shows the same structure as in Fig. 2.2a,
while Fig. 2.4b shows the pattern of Xrays 'seen' in the image with reduced
contrastowingtoscatter.
If,however,thestructureisveryclosetothefilm,asinFig.2.4cthescattered
rayshelptoformtheimageimprovescontrast.
Fig. 2.4: Effects of scattered rays on contrast, (a) the same structure as in Fig 2.2a. (b) The
X-ray pattern seen in the image,.(c) Moving the structure very close the film improves
contrast as the scattered rays now help to form the imaging.

SCATTER REDUCTION AND CONTRAST IMPROVEMENT:
I- Measures to reduce the amount of scatter produced by the patient (relative to
primary):
1- Field size:
Reducing the field area (collimation), by the use of cones or the light beam
diaphragm (beam restrictors) reduces the volume of scattering tissue
scatter & improves contrast.
2- Compression of the patient:
Compression moves overlying tissues laterally the volume of scattering
tissue scatter & improves contrast.
These first two measures happily also reduce the effective dose to the patient but, use
of the following four methods of scatter control require an increase in mAs thus
carrying a penalty of increased patient dose and tube loading.
3- Kilovoltage: Using a lower kV produces

Less forward scatter and more side scatter.
Less penetrating scatter, so scatter produced at some distance from the film is
less likely to reach it. In practice, these effects may not be very significant.
So, reducing the kV increase the contrast, but primarily because of the
increased photoelectric absorption, it also increases the patient dose.
4- Reduction of subject-film distance: ( subject ; desired organ or region ) as in that
case, scattered rays help in forming the image, e.g. chest radiogram is taken PA, so
that the heart is closer to the film, resulting in more contrast (in fact, chest radiograms
are taken PA to reduce heart shadow magnification, that's the main reason)
5- Use of contrast media
II- Measures to reduce the amount of scatter after it has left the patient:
The amount of scatter (relative to the primary rays) reaching the film-screen may be
reduced and contrast increased by interposing between it and the patient:
1- Grid:
The grid acts like a Ventilation blind. The lead strips absorb (say, 90% of) the
scattered rays which hit the grid obliquely, while allowing (say, 70% of) the primary
rays to pass through the gaps and reach the film.
2- Air gap:
If, as in Fig. 2.6, the film-screen is moved some 30 cm away from the patient,
much of the obliquely traveling scatter (shown dashed) misses it, and the contrast
is improved.

Fig. 2.6: Using an air gap between patient & film-screen.
Due to the inverse square law, the increased distance causes
1. A small reduction in the intensity of the primary radiation which comes from
the anode, some distance away, but
2. A large reduction in the intensity of the scattered radiation, since that comes
from points within the patient, much nearer.
Disadv. of the use of an air gap
1. Necessitate an increase in the kV or mAs.
Reminder: Dose kV2 mAs / F2
Where F is distance from source
2. Results in a magnified image.
3- Flat metal filter:
Such a filter, placed on the cassette, absorbs the softer and obliquely traveling
scatter more than the harder direct rays.
This is not very effective, and necessitates an increase in the mAs.
To summarize the important points in reduction of scatter and improving contrast:

1. Collimation (decrease field size)
2. Compression
3. Low kV
4. Subject nearer to film
5. Use of contrast medium
6. Grid
7. Air gap
8. Flat metal filter
Scatter Contrast
3.3 SECONDARY RADIATION GRIDS
2.3.1 EFFECT ON SCATTERED RAYS
'Antiscatter' grid, seen in cross-section in Fig. 2.5, consists of thin (0.07 mm)
strips of a heavy metal (such as lead) sandwiched between thicker (0.18 mm)
strips of interspace material (plastic, carbon fiber, or aluminum, which are
transparent to X-rays), encased in aluminum or carbon fiber.
The orientation of the lead strips is in general parallel to the x-ray beam axis.
It absorbs oblique scatter beams, allowing the direct beam only to pass through the
interspaces
Fig 2.5: Focused grid.

Few of the scattered rays S can pass through the channels between the strips of
lead and reach the film (most of them are traveling obliquely and are relatively
soft will be largely absorbed by the strips of lead).
This is shown in Fig. 2.7
Fig. 2.7 Construction of a grid A = the lead strips and B = the interspace material

N.B. Aluminum interspace grids:
Structurally stronger than grids with organic interspacers.
Needs higher patient exposure (absorbs more 1ry radiation).
However, it also absorbs more 2ry radiation contrast.
Angle of acceptance:
Def.: The angle within which scattered rays CAN reach the film through the
interspaces (focused grids have smaller angle of acceptance)
It will be seen that the grid has only a small angle of acceptance within which
scattered rays can reach a point on the film.
GRID RATIO
the depth of the interspace channel
The grid ratio = typically equals 8:1
the width of the interspace channel
The larger the grid ratio, the smaller the angle of acceptance, the more efficient
the grid is at absorbing scattered radiation and the greater the contrast in the
image.
N.B.: Grids improve IMAGE CONTRAST (not resolution)
With very large fields, especially at a high kV, more scatter is produced, and a
high-ratio grid (12:1 or 16:1) is preferable.
No grid would generally be used with thin parts of the body (or with children) or
where there is an air gap.
GRID PATTERN: is the orientation of the lead strips in their longitudinal axis.
It is the pattern of the grid as we see it from a top view. The two basic patterns are
linear and crossed.
CROSSED GRIDS
Unfortunately, scattered rays traveling obliquely to the primary beam but parallel
to the lead strips can pass through the gaps. These rays can be absorbed by the use
of crossed grids.
Structure: two ordinary stationary grids superimposed with their grid lines at right
angles.
Adv.: More efficient than a single grid at removing scattered radiation, as the
pathway for radiation is now a tunnel rather than a channel.
Disadv.:
1. Crossed grids need a greater radiographic exposure.
2. Require very careful centering. If the grids are not at right angles, a coarse
interference pattern (Moire fringes) may be seen on the film.
3. Grid cut-off can also be a problem

FOCUSED & UNFOCUSED "PARALLEL" GRIDS
Focused grids:
In a focused grid the strips are tilted progressively from the center to the edges of
the grid "when viewed in cross-section" so that they all point toward the tube
focus, as in Fig. 2.5. (N.B. most grids used in radiology are focused)
About 20% of the direct rays impinge on the edges of the lead strips and are
attenuated. The rest pass through the gaps between the lead strips.
Focused grids may be linear or crossed.
Linear focused grids converge at a line in space (convergent line) while crossed
focused grids converge at a point (convergent point).
Focal distance = the perpendicular distance between the grid & convergent line or
point.
The Focusing Range is wide for low grid ratio & narrow for high grid ratio.
e.g. 5:1 grid focused at 40 in. focusing range = 28 72 & 16:1 grid focused at
40 in. focusing range = 38 42 in.
Parallel grids:
Lead strips are parallel when viewed in cross-section.
Focused at infinity no convergent line.
Parallel grids are used effectively with:
1. Small x-ray fields.
2. Long target-grid distances.
It has little use in modern radiology "used in fluoroscopic spot film devices".
With a linear (i.e. uncrossed) grid, the X-ray tube can be angled along the length of
the grid without 'cutting off' the primary radiation. This can be useful for certain
examinations.
If the tube is angled the other way, or if a focused grid is accidentally placed the
wrong way round or upside down on the film, the primary beam will be absorbed,
leaving perhaps only one small central area of the film exposed. This is known as
'grid cut-off' , and is more restrictive with high-ratio grids.
STATIONARY AND MOVING GRIDS
Grid lines (grid lattice) are shadows of the lead strips of a stationary grid
superimposed on the radiological image.
If the line density (number of grid lines per millimeter) is sufficiently high
they may not be noticeable at the normal viewing distance but they nevertheless
reduce the definition of fine detail.
Moving grid (Bucky)
Have typically 5 lines per millimeter.
During the exposure it moves for a short distance, perpendicular to the grid lines.
It can move to and fro (reciprocating) or in a circular fashion (oscillating)
such movement blurs out the grid lines.

It is important that the grid starts to move BEFORE the exposure starts, moves
steadily during the exposure, and DOES NOT STOP moving until after the exposure
is over.
Multi-line grid:
Have 7 or more lines per millimeter together with a high grid ratio.
Can be used as a stationary grid without the lines being visible. It is used when a
moving grid cannot be used, and, being thinner, incurs less dose to the patient.
EVALUATION OF GRID PERFORMANCE

The 'Ideal Grid' would absorb all 2ry radiation & no 1ry radiation so, gives max. film
contrast without unnecessary increase in patient exposure. Ideal grid is not present.
Primary Transmission( PT ):
TP is a measurement of the % of 1ry radiation transmitted through a grid.
Ideal grid will transmit 100% of the 1ry radiation which carries the radiographic image.
Intensity with grid Ip

Primary Transmission Tp = X 100
Intensity without a grid Ip
The actual Tp is less than the anticipated "ideal " Tp
Thickness of interspaces D
Anticipated Tp = Total surface area of the grid X 100
"thickness of both interspaces D + lead septa d"
The difference between both values of Tp is due to:

1. Mainly, the 1ry beam absorption by the interspace material.
2. Manufacture imperfect focusing of the lead septa.
The use of grids necessitates increased radiographic exposure for the same film density,
because of the removal of some of the direct rays and most of the scatter.
Contrast Improvement Factor

contrast with a grid
Contrast improvement factor =
contrast without a grid
It equals typically between 3 & 5
It is the ultimate test for grid performance measure the ability of the grid to improve
contrast.
Depends on:
1. Grid ratio ( grid ratio contrast improvement factor)
2. The factors affecting the relative amount of scatter produced (& so Contrast),
mainly kVp, field size & patient thickness.

SPEED AND SELECTIVITY
The two tasks of a grid - to transmit primary radiation and absorb scattered radiation -
may be judged by its SELECTIVITY & SPEED:
fraction of primary radiation transmitted
Selectivity =
fraction of scattered radiation transmitted
Typicalfiguresrangefrom612,dependingonthegridratioandtubekV.
total incident radiation exposure necessary with a grid

Speed or exposure factor
total emergent = exposure necessary without a
=
radiation grid
Itisalsocalled'Buckyfactor'&typicallyequals35
Bucky factor is a practical measure which indicates how much the exposure factors
must be increased when we change from non-grid to a grid technique so, it also
shows how much the patient exposure is increased.
Bucky factor is a measure of the total quantity of radiation absorbed from an X-ray
beam by a grid & so, in part, the ability of the grid to absorb scatter radiation.
Factors affecting the grid factor:
1. High-ratio grids absorb more scatter radiation & have larger bucky factor than low-
ratio grids.
2. beam energy "i.e. kV" scatter radiation needs a higher-ratio grids.
The high bucky factor have desirable & undesirable aspect:
Desirable as regarding the film quality.
Undesirable as regards the exposure factor & patient dose.
Both GRID FACTOR and CONTRAST IMPROVEMENT FACTOR depends on kV
both decrease as kV increases
While, THE GRID RATIO doesn't have anything to do with Kv.
N.B.:
1ry transmission indicates only the amount of 1ry radiation absorbed by a grid.
Bucky factor indicates the absorption of both 1ry & 2ry radiation.
PRECAUTIONS OF USING GRIDS & GRID CUT-OFF:

(a) The primary disadvantage of grids is that they increase the amount of radiation needed
for an exposure & so increase the amount of radiation to the patient.
(b) The grid must be used at a specified distance from the anode.
Unfocused grids, in which the strips are completely parallel, may be used at any
focus distance but suffer severely from cut-off.
The effect can be reduced by using a longer FFD or a grid with a lower grid ratio.
(c) The tube must be accurately centered over the grid.
(d) The grid must not be tilted; otherwise CUT-OFF of the primary rays will occur.
GRID CUT-OFF:
Grid cut off occurs due to:
1. Focused grid placed upside down (by mistake)
2. Lateral decentering (grid angulation)
3. Focus-grid distance decentering
4. Combined lateral and focus-grid distance decentering.
Grid-front cassette
Special X-ray cassettes with a grid build into the front of the cassette.
Used for portable radiography.
Most are focused with a low grid ratio (4:1 or 8:1) & long focal distance "focusing
range"
MOVING SLOT
An alternative to a grid consists of two metal plates each with a slot, 5 mm wide,
aligned with the beam in front of and behind the patient.
They are arranged to move steadily across the field during the exposure. With only a
slice of the patient being irradiated at any instant, little scatter is produced.
An increase of exposure time is necessary, but this can be mitigated by employing
several slits well spaced apart.

3.4 MAGNIFICATION AND DISTORTION
Some important aspects of a radiological image arise simply from the fact that X-rays
travel in straight lines.
Figure- 2.8 .shows how the imago I of structure S produced by a diverging X-ray
beam is larger than the structure itself.
If the diagram is redrawn with larger or smaller values for F and h, it will be seen that
magnification is reduced by using a longer FFD "F" or by decreasing the object-film
distance "h", (It will be shown in Section 2.5 that this also reduces the blurring B.)
Also to decrease Magnification:
When positioning the patient, the film is placed close to the structures of interest.
tissues compression this will also reduce patient dose.
On the other hand, advantage is taken of increased magnification in macroradiography
length of the image F
The magnification M = =
length of the structure F-h
DISTORTION
Distortion = difference between the shape of a structure in the image and in the subject.
Causes:
1. It may be due to foreshortening of the shadow of a tilted object, e.g. a tilted circle
projects as an ellipse.
2. It may also be caused by differential magnification of the parts of a structure nearer
to and farther away from the film-screen, an effect which is familiar to
photographers.
Distortion can be reduced by using a longer FFD.

3.5 UNSHARPNESS AND BLURRING
In practice, three types of unsharpness combine to limit the resolution achievable
GEOMETRICAL UNSHARPNESS
The image of a stationary structure produced by the beam from an ideal point source
would be perfectly sharp. At the edge of the shadow, the intensity of X-rays would
change suddenly from a high to a low value.
In the previous figure, the case of effective focal spot f mm2, the intensity changes
gradually over a distance B, variously called the penumbra, blurring or unsharpness.
If the diagram is redrawn with larger or smaller values for f, F and h, it will be seen
that blurring is reduced by:
using a smaller focal spot;
decreasing the object-film distance; or
using a longer FFD this also reduces magnification and distortion
F is usually and conveniently 1 m, but it may be smaller in some techniques, such as
fluoroscopy, while 2 m is used with a chest stand.
Geometrical blurring
fh
The geometrical blurring B(g) =
F
If f = 2 mm, F = 1 m, and h = 100 mm then B(g) = 0.2 mm.
Usually the geometrical blurring is less than this as f and h are smaller.
Figure 2.8b plots the intensity of X-rays (or film density) along a line across the film.
B is the geometrical blurring and C the contrast.
MOVEMENT UNSHARPNESS
One of the problems in radiography is the imaging of moving structures.
If, during an exposure of duration t seconds, the structure moves parallel to the film with
an average speed v, the edge of the shadow moves a distance slightly greater than vt.

Movement blurring B(m) = vt (approximately).
If v = 4 mm s-1 and t = 0.05 s then B(m) = 0.2 mm.
N.B.: Movement strictly perpendicular to the film does not produce blurring.
Movement blurring may be reduced to a satisfactory degree by:
1. Immobilization.
2. Using short exposure time, made possible by a rotating anode tube and intensifying
screens
It is, on the other hand, made use of in mechanical tomography
ABSORPTION UNSHARPNESS
A gradual change in absorption near the edge of a tapered or rounded structure, e.g. a
blood vessel, produces absorption blurring.
This is inherent in the objects being imaged, though the effect can sometimes be
reduced by careful patient positioning.
3.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE X-RAY TUBE
There are two important limiting factors in imaging with X-rays:
1. The dose of radiation delivered to the patient, and
2. The heat which inevitably accompanies the production of X-rays.
If heat accumulate in X-ray tube shorten or damage the tube.
FOCAL SPOT SIZE
The actual focal spot is the area of the tungsten target bombarded by electrons from the
cathode the area over which heat is produced and which determines the tube rating
The size and shape of the focal spot are determined by the size and shape of the electron
stream when it hits the anode.
The size and shape of the electron stream are determined by 1) the dimensions of the
filament tungsten wire coil, 2) the construction of the focusing cup "also called electron
lens", and 3) the position of the filament in the focusing cup.
The problems posed by
1) The need for a large focal spot to allow greater heat loading.
2) The conflicting need for a small focal area to produce good radiographic detail, as
larger focal area will lead to blurring of the image "geometrical blurring".
The line focus principle the surface of

target is inclined so that it forms an angle
with the plane to incident beam.

The target anode angle = 6 - 20.
If it is 17 and the effective focal spot is
1 x 1 mm, the actual focal spot must be
4x1 mm.
This angulation makes the effective 'or
apparent' focal spot BC foreshortened &
is considerably smaller than that of the
actual focal spot & is square in shape.
This makes the focal spot blurring small and fixed whatever the orientation of a
structure.
The effective focal spot varies across the film elongated from the cathode side of the
film & contracted from the anode side.
Angle the angle between the central ray and the target face
The size of the projected focal spot is directly related to the sine of the angle of the
anode.
The smaller the angle of the anode, the smaller the apparent focal spot
TAKE CARE:
The steeper the target for the same actual
focal spot and target heat rating the smaller
the effective focal spot.
The steeper the target for the same effective
focal spot the larger the actual focal spot
and target heat rating.
The steeper the target the narrower the
useful X-ray beam and the smaller the field
covered.
Some newer 0.3-mm focal spot tubes may use
an anode angle of only 6.
There is a limit to which the anode angle can be decreased as dictated by the heel
effect (the point of anode cutoff).
MCQ: For general diagnostic radiography done at a 40-inches focus-film distance (1
m), the anode angle is usually no smaller than 15.
Focal spot size is expressed in terms of the apparent or projected focal spot; sizes of
0.3, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.2 mm are commonly employed.
Usually, an X-ray tube has two filaments and two focal spots of different sizes which
are selected from the control panel.
The smaller focal spot is selected where small fields are needed & for better resolution
"in mammography and in cineradiography with a small field image intensifier" and the
larger one for thicker parts of the body where a greater intensity of X-rays is needed "in
general radiography using large films"

Typical effective focal sizes (mm)
Macromammography 0.1
Mammography 0.1 0.4
Macroradiography 0.3
Radiography 0.6-1.2
Fluoroscopy 0.6
MCQ X-ray output DOES NOT depends on focal size, only sharpness and effective field
of view do.
Blooming
Blooming = unwanted increase in focal spot size which occurs when the tube is
operated at high milliamperage.
Occurs because the negative charge of the focusing cup is less effective, so electrons
emitted from the filament are not well focused in a regular beam hit a larger area >
actual focal spot.
It occurs particularly at low kV values and with small focal spots.
Regarding focal spot:
The focal spot size can limit the spatial resolution "geometric unsharpness", depends
on the location of the object in the source-to-detector direction.
The resolution impact of the focal spot increases with geometric magnification, i.e.
increasing distance between the object and the film or detector if FFD is fixed.
Thus, a small focal spot is desired in order to optimize spatial resolution.
The focal spot size also sets the upper limit on X-ray tube current or output rate (heat
loading).
If an X-ray tube is operating at its instantaneous power limit, decreasing the size of the
focal spot will require a decrease in the tube current (radiation output).
There is a trade-off between spatial resolution due to the size of the focal spot & image
noise in a fixed exposure time due to the decreased X-ray intensity and imaging time.
Rotating Anode :
Rotating anode is used to produce x-ray tubes capable of withstanding the heat
generated by large exposures.
The anode assembly, seen in cross-section, consists of:
An anode disk, 7-10 cm or more in diameter.
A thin molybdenum stem.
A blackened copper rotor "part of the induction motor which rotates the target
stem".
Bearings, lubricated with a soft metal such as silver.
An axle, sealed into the glass envelope, which supports the target assembly.

The anode of a rotating anode tube consists of a large disc of tungsten or an alloy of
tungsten "tungsten-rhenium alloy" better thermal characteristics than pure
tungsten and does not roughen with use as quickly.
Typical disc diameters measure 75, 100, or 125 mm.
The diameter of the tungsten disc determines the total length of the target track
affects the maximum permissible loading of the anode.
Any area of the tungsten disc is found opposite the electron stream only once every 1/60 sec
& during the remainder of the time heat generated during the exposure can be dissipated.
The tungsten disc has a beveled edge. The angle of the bevel may vary from 6 to 20.
The bevel is used to take advantage of the line focus principle.
The purpose of the rotating anode is to spread the heat produced during an exposure
over a large area of the anode while the apparent or effective focal spot size has re-
mained the same.
Heat loading:
The heat loading of an X-ray tube (calculated in joules)
= kV x mAs for a constant potential (three phase).
= 0.7 x kV x mAs for a pulsating single-phase generator.
Remember, heat rating is different from tube to tube, heat capacity is fixed
Single radiographic exposure
Inorderto'freeze'anddisplaymovement,individualexposuresshouldbeasshort
astheheatingoftheXraytubepermits.
TheallowablemAsataparticularkVincreaseastheexposuretimeislengthened
Any combination of kV, mA, and exposure time should be such that, at end of the
exposure, the temperature of the anode does not exceed its safe value, i.e. there
shouldbenoriskofthetargetmelting,vaporizingorroughening.

TheratingisusuallystatedastheallowablemA,andthis:

Decreasesastheexposuretimeisincreased.
DecreasesasthekVisincreased.
Increaseswith theeffective focal spot size (because increase effective focal spot
meansincreaseactualfocalspotforafixedanodeangle)and,
Increaseswithsmallertargetanglesforafixedeffectivefocalspot.
Isgreaterforarotatingthanastationaryanode.
Isgreaterfora10cmdiskthana7cmdisk.
Isgreaterforahighspeedanode.
Is greater for a threephase constant potential than for a singlephase
pulsating potential because the former produces heat more evenly throughout
theexposure.
The foregoing information is stored on a microprocessor in the control circuit which
preventsanyexposurebeingmadewhichwouldexceedtheratingofthetube.

Repeated radiographic exposures
To display movement, e.g. angio or cineradiography, a rapid series of exposures is
made.
Eachexposuremustbesufficientlyshort&withintheratingofthefocalarea.
Forrepeatedexposuresdependsalsoontheabilityoftheanodeassemblyandthe
oil to accumulate heat both not allowed to exceed its maximum safe
temperature.
Therapiditywithwhichaseriesofsuchexposurescanbemadedependson:
a) Themaximumamountofheatthatcanbetemporarilystoredintheanodein
particular&thetubehousingasawhole;and
b) Therateatwhichtheyloseheatbycooling.
Theheatstoragecapacityoftheanodemaybeincreasedbysolderingtothebackof
the tungsten plate a disk of molybdenum and/or solid graphite (both have a higher
heatcapacityperunitmassthantungsten).
Microprocessor in control circuit calculates the max. total number of exposures
allowed.
Iftheanodeheatcapacity(typically0.2MJ)hasbeenreachedneedatleast15min
tocooldowncompletely;
&theentireassembly(typicalheatcapacity1.0MJ)mayneedanhour.
Continuous operation: fluoroscopy
Heat must be removed at the same rate as it's produced from the housing "not
allowedtoaccumulateintheoil".
Theratingdependsonlyonthecoolingrate(andwhetherornotthefanison)and
NOTatallonthefocalspotsizeorthetypeofgenerator.
Influoro,theanodeisstationaryorrotatingatreducedspeed,tobearingwear.
Otherratings:
MaximumkValsodependsontheinsulationofthetube,cables,etc.
MaximummAislowatalowkVthanatahighkV(d.t.'spacechargeeffect').
N.B.allowablemA(tuberating)islowathighkV.

UNIFORMITY OF THE X-RAY BEAM

The useful X-ray beam is taken in a direction perpendicular to the electron stream "at
right angles to the tube axis from the center of the focal spot ".
It is usually pointed toward the center of the area of interest in the body.
Toward the anode edge of the field, the beam A is cut off by the face of the target.
Toward the cathode edge, the beam C is cut-off by the edge aperture in the lead shield.
Thus, the X-ray field is made symmetrical around the central ray B, A and C are the
limits of the useful beam.
In fact the useful beam is narrower than suggested because of THE HEEL EFFECT.

THE HEEL EFFECT
Heel effect.
The intensity of the x-ray beam that leaves the x-ray tube is not uniform but
depends on the angle at which the x rays are emitted from the focal spot.
Mechanism:
Electrons penetrate a few micrometers
into the target before being stopped by
a nucleus so; the X-rays produced
are attenuated and filtered by the target
material on their way out.
X-rays traveling toward the anode
edge of the field have more target
material to cross attenuated more
than those traveling toward the
cathode edge
the intensity of the beam decreases
toward the anode end of the fields
(Less importantly, the HVL increases because of the filtration effect).
Factors affecting the heel effect:

1. Anode angle: the steeper the target heel effect.
2. FFD: FFD heel effect "with fixed film size".
3. Film size: film size heel effect "with fixed FFD".
4. Roughening of the target surface X-rays output & the heel effect.
In radiographs of body parts of different thicknesses the thicker parts should be

placed toward the cathode (filament) side of the x-ray tube.

QUALITY ASSURANCE OF EXPOSURE PARAMETERS
At installation; each X-ray tube and generator should be checked for compliance to a
certain specification.
X-ray generators need to be checked periodically for exposure parameters (e.g. kV and
mAs), and tube parameters (e.g. focal spot and filtration). More details in Section 3.8
Focal spot and filtration
Focal spot should be measured at installation.
If the HVL and the kV measured carefully the total filtration can be deduced from a
set of published graphs.
Kilovoltage and output
The kV can either be measured:
Directly (invasively) by potential divider applied across the high tension leads
Indirectly (non-invasively) by a penetrameter method.
# A calibrated electronic penetrameter is placed in the beam compares the
differentially filtered response of detectors contained within it gives equivalent kV.
The tube output measured by a dosemeter, often an ionization chamber.
For constant mAs, the output is a function of kVX. "X 2".
For a constant kV, the output is a linear function of mA and exposure time.
Field definition and uniformity
The size of the X-ray field is delineated using lead diaphragms + a light beam
incorporated in overcouch tube.
Regular checks should be made to ensure that:
a. The light beam and field outline match.
b. The center of the field, on the cross wires of the light beam diaphragm, coincides
with the center of the X-ray field.
#################################

Chapter 4
FILMS & SCREENS

RADIOGRAPHY WITH FILMS AND SCREENS
4.1 FILMS
Cross section of a double emulsion x-ray film

A film consists of:
1 Apolyesterbase(typically0.2mmthick)supportfragileemulsion.
2 Onwhichiscoatedathinphotographicemulsion(10mthick).
The emulsion is a suspension of fine silver halide crystals (iodobromide)
(90-99% silver bromide, 1-10% silver iodide) in gelatine.
Each crystal is about 1 m in size and containing a million or more silver atoms.
A photographic emulsion is:
I. Sensitive to X-rays and ultraviolet & visible light.
II. Also, affected by mechanical, electrical & chemical factors.
All of which have implications for storage and handling.
3 Thintransparentantistaticsupercoatprotectagainstabrasion&curling.
AnXrayfilmisusuallydoublecoatedwithanemulsiononeachsideofthebase,and
isusedwithapairofscreens.
About a 1/3 of the Xradiation falling on the front screen (nearer the patient) is
absorbed
About 1/2 the light so produced travels forward and exposes the nearer (front)
emulsion'therestisabsorbedinthescreen'.
About1/2theXradiationtransmittedbythefrontscreenisabsorbedbytherear
screentheproducedlightexposestherearfacingemulsion.

Exposuretolight:
Twofeaturesof thesilver iodobromidecrystal account
forthephotographicprocess
1. Thesmallproportionofiodideionsdistortthelattice.
Thereareseveraltypesofcrystaldefects.
Pointdefectasilverionmovedoutofitsnormal
positioninthecrystallattice"interstitialsilverions"
canmoveinthecrystal(Fig.104).
Dislocationisalineimperfectioninthecrystal.
2. Thesilverhalidecrystalsaremanufacturedtopossess

sensitivityspecks.
Chemicalsensitizationisproducedbyaddingasulfurcontainingcompoundtotheemulsion
reactswithsilverhalidetoformsilversulfide.
Thesilversulfideislocatedonthesurfaceofthecrystalandisreferredtoasthesensitivity
speck.
Howexposureofsensitizedsilveriodobromidegrainsinthefilmemulsiontolightordirect
xrays,initiatestheformationofatomicsilvertoformapattern?

1. The energy absorbed from a light
photon gives an electron in the
bromine ion enough energy to
escape.

Br +lightphotonBr+electron
2. AgS sensitivity speck act as an

electrontrap.

3. The electron gives the sensitivity
speck a negative charge attracts
themobileinterstitialAg+ionsinthe
crystalformasinglesilveratom:
Ag++electronAg
4. Thissingleatomofsilverthenactsas
an electron trap for a second
electron. get negative charge
causesasecondsilveriontomigrate
tothetraptoformatwoatomsilver
nucleus.
5. Thenegativebromineionsthathavelostelectronsareconvertedintoneutralbromineatoms
leavethecrystal&takenupbythegelatinoftheemulsion.

The submicroscopic speck of silver metal form A LATENT IMAGE in the film, awaiting
development.
Metallicsilverisblack.
Itissilverthatproducesthedarkareasseenonadevelopedradiograph.
Processing
TheinvisiblepatternoflatentimagesismadevisiblebyPROCESSING.
Thefilmisprocessedinthreestages:
IDevelopment:
Reductionofthesilverions(additionofanelectron)byalkalinesolutionblack
metallicsilver:Ag++electronAg
N.B.:Thedevelopmentprocessisinitiatedatthesiteofalatentimagespeckonthesurface
ofthegrainthen,progresstodevelopmentoftheentiregrain.
Theunexposedcrystals,whichcarrynolatentimages,areunaffectedbythedeveloper.

Because,thesilveratomsinthelatentimageacceleratethereductionofthesilverionsinthegrain
the silver in a grain that does not contain a latent image are reduced at a much slower rate.
Thus,timeisafundamentalfactorinthedevelopingprocess.
Developmentshouldbediscontinuedwhenthedifferentialbetweenexposeddevelopedgrains
andunexposedundevelopedgrainsisatamaximum.
IfthedeveloperattackunexposedcrystalsFogformationorwhollyopaquefilm.
To inhibit this, Potassium Bromide (Restrainer) is incorporated in the initial charge of
developer (but not in the replenisher since the reduction of silver itself liberates bromine
ionsintothedeveloper,whichalsodecreasestherateofdevelopment).
The bromide ions released by the reduction of silver ions to silver atoms pass into the
developingsolution.Itismainlythisincreaseinbromideconcentrationthatlimitsthelifeof
developingsolutions.

IIFixation:
Thefilmisnowfixedbyanacidsolutionofthiosulfate('hypo').
Itdissolvesunaffectedsilverionstheimagebecomesstable"unaffectedfurtherbylight"
Incompletefixation'milky'radiograph.

IIIWashing:
Afterstages(1)and(2)thefilmiswashedinwater,andfinallyitisdriedbyhotair.
Withinadequatewashingretainedhypowillturnbrown/yellow.

Automaticprocessing:
Automatic processors use a roller feed system to transport the film through different
solutions.
Processor performance is maintained through a comprehensive quality assurance
program.

OPTICAL DENSITY
The measurement of film blackness is called "optical density".
The degree of film blackening is:
Directly related to the intensity of radiation reaching the film.
Directly related to silver grains \ unit area.
Inversely related to the light transmission.
X-ray image is a negative image

The film is darkest where the X-rays have been most intense, and vice versa.
Photographic density is measured using a densitometer as log the ratio of the intensities of the
incident to the transmitted light through the film.
I0
D = log
It
D = density I0 = incident light on film It = transmitted light by the film

I 0 alonemeasurestheopacityofthefilm(theabilityoffilmtostoplight).
It
Useful densities in diagnostic radiology range from about 0.3 (50% of light
transmitted)toabout2(1%oflighttransmitted).
Densityincreaseof0.3 theopacityisdoubled.
transmittedlightishalved.
The average density of the area of interest on a properly exposed film = 1.0; of the
lung field in a chest film 2.0; while viewing an area of density of 3.0 needs a bright
lamp.

Ifanunexposedxrayfilmisprocessed,itwilldemonstrateadensityofabout0.12.
Thisdensityreferstobasedensityandfog.
Basedensity=0.07,Causedbytheplasticmaterial&thebluedyeusedtomakefilm
base.
Fog:"thedensityresultingfromdevelopedunexposedsilvergrains"=0.05"seelater"
Why is density expressed as a logarithm?
1. Logarithms express large differences in numbers on a small scale.

2. The physiologic response of the eye to differences in light intensities is
logarithmic.
3. Superimposition of densities is best described on logarithmic base.
Densities are additive either 2 films or 2 emulsions.
X-ray cassette:
A flat, light-tight box with spring clips.
Contain internal pressure pads keep film between a pair of screens in close contact.
The front of the cassette is made of aluminum (Z = 13) or carbon fiber (Z = 6) to
minimize the attenuation of the beam reduce the patient exposure.
Carbon fiber is effective at the lower kV values in mammography & orthopedics.
The cassette back incorporates a thin lead sheet (absorb the remnant radiation).

4.2 INTENSIFYING SCREENS
Function
Absorb the energy in the x-ray beam 'penetrated the patient' convert into a light pattern with
the same pattern as original x-ray beam recorded as latent image on x-ray film.
They decrease the x-ray dose to the patient, yet still afford a properly exposed x-ray film.
exposure allows use of short exposure times necessary to minimize patient motion
Construction
An intensifying screen consists of 4 layers:

A base 'for support' - polyester "plastic" or cardboard - 0.25 mm thick.
A phosphor layer:
0.1-0.5 mm thick.
Dense layer of fine phosphor crystals (3-10 m) bound by a transparent resin.
A reflecting layer "not in all screens":
Thin white reflective layer - between the base & phosphor (Titanium dioxide TiO2)
Reflect light directed toward back of screen again toward the film "otherwise lost"
Very thin protective layer (outermost) Physical protection to phosphor layer.
The most frequently used phosphors are:

a) Calcium Tungstate
b) Various rare earths:
i- Lanthanum oxybromide. iv- Yttrium oxysulfide.
ii- Lanthanum oxysulfide. v- Barium lead sulfate.
iii- Gadolinium oxysulfide. vi- Barium fluorochloride.
Matching film and phosphor
The intensity of light emitted by a screen depends on the phosphor, but its color depends
on activator.
Spectral sensitivity of the film should match Spectral emission of the screen to
ensure maximum radiographic effect.
1- Calcium tungstate, which emits a continuous spectrum of violet and blue light, and
Lanthanum oxybromide activated with terbium, which emits a blue light
Can be used with ordinary X-ray film "sensitive only to ultraviolet and blue light".
Film doesn't exhibit photosensitivity to red light Amber red safelight for darkroom.
2- Gadolinium and lanthanum oxysulfide activated with terbium green light.
Used only with an orthochromatic film "its sensitivity include green light".
A red safelight is necessary.

To maximize the absorption of X-rays,
Phosphor should have a sufficiently high atomic number
The absorption edge of tungsten (W, 70 keV) is less favorably placed in relation to the
X-ray spectrum than those of gadolinium (Gd, 50 keV) or lanthanum (La, 39 keV).
Rare earth screens are also more efficient than tungstate in converting
absorbed X-ray energy into emitted light (conversion efficiency of tungstate is
5% compared to 20% for rare earths, see later).
All these factors make rare earth screens

more sensitive ('faster') than calcium
tungstate screens, so allows:
Lower exposure.
2-3 times lower patient dose "for same
quality".
Lower kV.
Film exposed with screens

A film exposed with screens is more sensitive than film exposed alone for 2 reasons:
The screen phosphor layer is thicker absorbing X-rays > film emulsion.
Each X-ray photon absorbed by phosphor produces hundreds of small light photons.
Film and screen Film only
Absorbed by phosphor, 30 Absorbed by film, 2
Light photons produced, 18000
Light photons reaching film, 9000
Latent images produced, 90 Latent images produced, 2
Accordingly, the use of screens reduces the air kerma or exposure necessary to
produce a properly exposed film
reduces the dose to the patient
reduces the loading of the tube and generator
allow the use of shorter exposure time reducing movement blurring.
allow the use of a smaller focal spot geometrical blurring.
Front and back screens
To equalize the densities of the two emulsions, the rear screen coating is thicker than
that of the front screen since the back screen relies on X-rays which have not been
absorbed by the front screen.
Afterglow
In afterglow, the screen retains a 'memory' of an exposure superimposed on the
image of a subsequent exposure must be avoided in intensifying screens.

4.3 CHARACTERISTIC CURVE
The relationship between log air kerma "or log exposure" and the density produced by
the exposure "characteristic curve".
The most important parts of the characteristic curve:

a) The region of correct exposure:
Straight-line portion.
Steepest.
The densities within the area of diagnostic interest should lie within this range.
Density is proportional to the log exposure.
Other features of curve are:
b) The toe, shallow slope.
c) the shoulder, shallow slope, and
d) saturation density,
In both c & d, the film is too dark to be readable on an ordinary illuminator;
e) reversal or solarization,
E D "producing a positive image".
Used for film copying, by exposure of reversal films to ultraviolet light.
Four properties of the film-screen derived from the characteristic curve:
(1) Fog level f in Fig. 3.2
Fog image contrast.
Types:
Inherent fog has typically D = 0.12
Additional fog may arise during storage due to:
Temperature & humidity Accidental X-rays exposure. Light exposure.
Assessment by measuring the density of processed but unexposed film (E = 0).
(2) Film Speed I in Fig. 3.3
The reciprocal of the exposure (measured in Roentgen) needed to produce D = 1
1
Speed =
Exposure "in Roentgens" needed to produce D=1
Factors film speed:

Grain size.
Modern emulsions with flat crystals.
X-ray photon energy = 30-40 keV.

The relative speed of two films or film-screen combinations is the ratio
exposure needed to produce D = 1 on film A
exposure needed to produce D = 1 on film B
Speed "with fixed " means that the film needs less exposure to produce same density.
But with films of different relative speed change with change E D
(3) Gamma ()
= the slope of the straight-line portion of the characteristic curve.
D2 D 1
Gamma
= log E2 log
E1
The steeper slope contrast
generally refers to the average slope between densities 0.25 and 2.0 (or 2.25).
In Fig. 3.3, film-screen A has a higher than B (has a steeper slope more 'contrasty').
depends on the range of crystal sizes (not their average sizes).
The more uniform the crystals the higher is

(4) Film latitude or dynamic range L in Fig. 3.2.
L is the range of air kerma E which produce densities D lying in the useful density
range between 0.25 "below which the gradient is too low" and 2.0 "above which the
film is too dark for details to be seen using a normal illuminator".
Typically the dynamic range is 40:1.
Figure 3.3 shows that film contrast and latitude are inversely related.
Film A has the steeper slope and higher . It also has the narrower latitude L(A).
There are two practical aspects to this concept of film latitude.

For the technologist:
latitude more room for
error in his choice of exposure
(mAs).
For the radiologist interested

in high contrast "less latitude".
But if a wide range of subject
contrast (such as in the chest)
must be recorded higher
latitude can record small
changes in film exposures.
Typically, wide latitude is needed in chest radiography and a high in mammography.
EFFECT OF DEVELOPING CONDITIONS

Developer temperature chemical reaction rate:
Speed.
Fog level.
initially; but, above the temperature recommended by the manufacturer
due to fog level.
Increasing developer concentration or

developing time will have similar effects.
Developing conditions are optimized to

give maximum and minimal fog.
In an automatic processor, the

temperature is controlled thermostatically,
time by roller speed, and concentration by
the speed of the developer replenisher pump,
which in turn is controlled by the area of
film being processed.

QUALITY ASSURANCE OF PROCESSING UNIT
Concentration & Temperature of the developer have a significant effect on speed,
contrast, and fog must be controlled rigorously.
Quality assurance aims to avoid the additional patient dose and waste of time and
materials from having to repeat incorrectly processed films.
It involves measuring the density of 3 steps of a step-wedge image "after
processing" on a film pre-exposed to light using a sensitometer.
The first step (zero exposure) monitors fog level;
The second (D = 1) monitors speed.
The difference between the second and third (D = 2) monitors .
These densities are plotted daily, and a 10-15% variation in them is acceptable.
Automatic readers are available, measure up to 20 steps produce a complete
characteristic curve.
4.4 FILM - SCREEN SENSITIVITY:
Intensification factor
Measures the reduction in patient dose and tube loading when the screens are used.
It is the ratio
air kerma necessary to produce D = 1 with film alone
air kerma necessary to produce D = 1 with film plus screens
Typical values are 30-100
Factors IF:
1 kV because the K-absorption edges of silver and bromine in the film are 26
keV and 13 keV, respectively, while the K-absorption edge of tungsten = 70 keV.
2 Heavily filtered x-ray beam (same reason).
3 Thickness of the phosphor 'coating weight' or using larger crystals.
4 Rare earth screens have a larger IF than tungstate.
5 The use of a white reflecting layer, e.g. titanium dioxide.
Speed Class
More descriptive of film\screen combination sensitivity than Intensification factor
Speed = 1000 /K
K is the air kerma ( in Gy ) , required to give a film density of 1 above base plus fog.
Speed class depend on :

- Phosphor type
- Thickness of the phosphor
- Film type.
Typical rare earth screen film systems is speed classification of 400 , so the dose to the
film cassette is in the region of 2.5 Gy

4.5 RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE QUALITY:
Contrast:
The pattern of variations in optical density between various regions on the film.
Radiographic contrast depends on subject contrast and on film contrast.
So, the factors which affect radiographic contrast are:
Factor which affect subject contrast; plus
Factor which affect film
Radiographic contrast = film x subject contrast
Subject Contrast:
Depends on the differential attenuation of the x-ray beam as it passes through the patient.
Subject contrast was seen to be affected by:
1. Thickness of the subject.

2. Density and atomic differences of the subject.
3. Radiation energy (kVp).
4. Contrast material.
5. Scatter radiation.
Subjectcontrastcontrolstherelativeexposurethatreachesthefilm
so,filmdirectlyunderabonereceivesalowexposurethanfilmundersofttissueareas
WhilekVcontrolssubjectcontrast,mAsdeterminesexposure(overallfilmdensity)
Film Contrast:
Film contrast depends on four factors:

1. Film
2. Film density
3. Screen or direct x-ray exposure
4. Film processing
N.B.: The greater the film , the greater the contrast
Subjectivecontrast: contrast as seen by the eye is affected by viewing conditions.

It is reduced by:
Glare "very bright low attenuation areas" should be masked off.
Too high level of ambient lighting.
Film viewing systems should be cleaned regularly & checked for adequate
illumination

SCREEN UNSHARPNESS "U " , BLURRING" "B"
Loss of resolution
When a film is exposed without screens, a single X-ray produces in effect a point
image. When screens are used, a single X-ray absorbed by a fluorescent crystal
causes it to emit light in all directions. This is illustrated in Fig. 3.6
(a) Cross-section through film and screen

(b) A plot of brightness of phosphor image along a line across the screen.
Light produced by the crystal & travels in the phosphor coating to reach the film, will
be:
Absorbed and scattered.
Widely diverging cone of light recorded on film as a small disk of blackening
of diameter B.
Light undercuts the edge of the shadow of a structure blurring B "typically 0.2
mm"
The faster screen x-ray exposure to the patient, but also
detail ( Blurring )

Factors affect sensitivity and unsharpness :
1) Thickness of the phosphor layer.

The thicker the phosphor layer, the greater the sensitivity or speed of the screen
( blurring )
The IF can be increased by increasing X-ray absorption by using thicker screen.

Exposure.
The same number of X-ray photons are absorbed in the screen for the same film
density No change in noise (quantum mottle)
Worse blurring or resolution will be with the thicker screen.
2) Size of the phosphor crystals ( Different types of phosphors have different

absorption efficiency )
Rare earth screens are more effective than tungstate screens both at absorbing
X-rays and converting the absorbed energy into light:
- Produce higher speed screens for the same thickness "& same resolution";
- Produce thinner screens "sharper images" for the same speed.
3) Presence or absence of colored dyes in the phosphor layer, reduce unsharpness

by attenuating wide angle emitted light photos, BUT reduce overall sensitivity.
4) A reflective layer. May be added to the screen base at the outer surface (reflect
backward light photons), will Screen efficiency leading to increased IF and
increased unsharpness
Blurring can be reduced by :
(a) Using thinner screens and finer crystals,

(b) Replacing the white reflecting layer by a black absorbing layer,
(c) Incorporating dyes in the binder absorb diverging light.
All these measures also reduce the speed of the screen.
Conversely, any measure taken to increase the intensification factor of the screen
increases the unsharpness of the image.
Poor film-screen contact

the screen blurring appears as a region of reduced sharpness and contrast
Causes: warped cassette or damaged hinges.

Checked by radiographing a perforated metal sheet placed on top of the
cassette; darker image and indistinct pattern of holes.
Cassettes should also be tested for light leakage fogging around the edge of the
film

Parallax another, less important, cause of blurring
The image on the rear emulsion is slightly larger than the
front image due to the diverging nature of the X-ray beam the edges of shadows
less sharp.
The effect is not noticeable except when the film is viewed wet and swollen or when
the film is tilted relative to the central ray.
Crossover
In crossover diverging light from the front screen reaches rear emulsion & vice versa
It depends on the thickness of the film base and can account for 25% of blackening.
In the newer tabular or T grain film emulsions the crystals are thin and flat with
their surfaces aligned parallel to the film base to face the x-ray beam absorb light
more efficiently crossover.
Also, if the base has been coated on both sides with light-absorbing dye.
Combination of blurrings:
A radiographic image may suffer simultaneously from:
1) Screen blurring B(s), just described.
2) Geometrical or focal spot blurring B(g).
3) Movement blurring B(m).
The total blurring B(t) perceived is less than the sum of the individual blurrings.
= the square root of the sum of the squares of the individual blurrings
B(t)2 = B(g)2 + B(m)2 + B(s)2

For example,
If B(g), B(m), and B(s) = 0.2 mm each Total blurring = about 0.35 mm (not 0.6 mm).
Suppose that B(s) is reduced to 0.1 mm by using (slower) detail screens. To
compensate, it is necessary to increase the exposure by doubling the exposure time,
thus increasing B(m) to 0.4 mm. B(g) remains at 0.2 mm The total blurring = 0.45
mm.
The foregoing illustrates two points:
1) The minimum total blurring occurs when the individual blurrings are equal,
2) Any measure which aims to reduce one of the blurrings generally necessitates an
increase in one of the others and in the total blurring.
QUANTUM MOTTLE OR NOISE
When a film is exposed with fast screens to a uniform beam of Xrays mottled
appearance "density varies a little from one small area to the next" (not uniform
blackeningasexpected).
Inaradiographicexposure,ifanaverageofMphotonsfalloneachsquaremillimeter
of a screen and are absorbed. Due to the stochastic nature of Xray attenuation
processes.
The actual number of photons absorbed varies from one
square millimeter of the image (or 'pixel') to another.

About two-thirds (68%) of all pixels absorb between (M - M) and (M + M) photons. 16%
absorb more than (M + M) and 16% absorb less than (M - M).
The fluctuation in the number of photons absorbed = the standard deviation SD =M.
This random pattern of photons, called the 'noise' or quantum mottle, is superimposed upon
the 'signal', the pattern produced by the structures in the patient.
Noise:
Obscures the finer detail in the image.
Noise reduces the visibility of low-contrast shadows, particularly if small in area.
the relative noise = the ratio of the fluctuation M of photons absorbed to

the average value M:
M 1
relative noise = =
M M
The larger the number of X-ray photons absorbed, the less noisy the image.
the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) = the ratio of signal M to noise M:
M
SNR = = M
M
The SNR should be high to maximize information. If the SNR is low, the image appears
'noisy'.
The larger the number of X-ray photons absorbed, the greater is the SNR
Number of events Noise SNR
100 10% 10:1
1000 3% 30:1
10000 1% 100:1
100000 0.3% 300:1
In a typical radiographic exposure M = 100 000 photons\mm2, and the SNR = 300:1.
Quantum Sink:
The part of the imaging chain in which the fewest number of photons are carrying
the image signal. (In fluro, quantum sink is the photons absorbed in the input screen).
Noise Resolution
Factors which increase Noise:
o As a general rule, measures to reduce noise and increase SNR increase
patient dose.
o The use of screens increases noise (for the same density)
o Fast screen X-ray dose or exposure (fewer photons / mm2) SNR.
o Slow or detail screen better SNR.
o A rare earth screen is faster than a tungstate screen quantum mottle.
o kV fewer and higher-energy protons the patient dose but also
SNR.
Other less important forms of noise
Screen is made of individual crystals structure mottle.
The film image is made of individual grains 'graininess', mainly evident when
the image must be magnified for viewing, as with cine film.
4.6 FILM - SCREEN RADIOGRAPHY IN PRACTICE:
The amount of radiation reaching the film is controlled by kV, tube current (mA) and
exposure time.
In making a particular radiological examination using film-screen system:
Film dose is approximately proportional to kV4 x mAs
(Where mAs in the product of mA and exposure time)
Kilovoltage
In general, as high as possible a kV will be used so as to
1) Increase the penetration of the beam and reduce patient dose.
2) Increase the latitude of exposure and range of tissues displayed.
3) Reduce the mAs needed allow shorter exposure times, within the rating of tube.
But not so high a kV that insufficient contrast results in the area of diagnostic interest.
Milliampere-seconds
Having chosen the kV for a particular examination, selection of the mAs is depending on
some factors :
The quality of the radiation beam ( kV , filtration and waveform )
FFD
Attenuation in the tabletop , grid and others
The speed of film-screen combination.
The region being examined.
Patient thickness.
Reciprocity law
Thedensityofblackeningofafilmdependsonlyonthequantityofradiation(ormAs)
whatevertheparticularcombinationofintensity(mA)andexposuretime(s).
ItholdsonlyforXrays,i.e.filmexposedwithoutscreens.Itdoesnotholdforlight.

Automatic exposure control (AEC)
The exposure is controlled automatically by placing detectors on top of the cassette to
measure the intensity of the X-rays.
The detectors "control device" is a flat parallel-plate ionization chamber
3 detectors are placed at different locations in the X-ray field allows control of the
exposure to one region of interest or an average exposure over two or three areas.
After selecting the kV AEC terminate the exposure automatically when the correct
mAs has been delivered to the film, irrespective of any misjudgment of the ideal kV (in
respect of patient thickness, etc.) or fluctuations in the mains supply.
The radiologist's preference for 'light' or 'dark' films is accommodated by a sensitivity or
density control.
The use of AEC is limited with using the Bucky, als AEC is limited in pediatrics
examinations.
The detectors:
Should not attenuate the beam very much.
Generally larger than the cassette.
Must not itself produce an image on the film.
4.7 MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography aims to demonstrate on the same film both:
Microcalcifications small "100 m in size" but of high inherent contrast.
Other tissues much lower contrast but large.
N.B. both subject contrast & geometrical unsharpness are important factors in
mammography
CONTRAST
Glandular tissue atomic number 7.4 & Adipose tissue is 6.5 , so need to maximize
subject contrast
The breast does not attenuate the beam greatly, allowing the use of the low kV that is
needed to obtain sufficient photoelectric absorption in order to differentiate
between normal and abnormal breast tissues.
Ideally, monoenergetic X-rays of about 16-22 keV would produce optimal contrast and
penetration in the case of a small breast.
Tube requirements for mammography:
Tube voltage at 28 kV (constant potential) the usual range is 25 30 kV.

At low kV, x-ray output is approximately proportional to the kV3; in contrast to general
radiology with higher kV x-ray output is proportional to the kV2
Relatively long exposure times are required to produce enough film blackening at such
low kV without exceeding tube rating.
Beryllium window
Molybdenum target (produce more effective spectrum of energies for breast imaging).

Molybdenum filter (0.03 mm) has an absorption edge at 20 keV transmits most
of the characteristic radiation (17.4 and 19.6 keV) but removes most of the
continuous spectrum.
This filter is known as a K-edge filter, because the filter strongly absorbs the
radiation with energy above the k edge of molybdenum & also the low energy photons.
While it is relatively transparent to the characteristic radiation peaks
In case of thicker breast, higher-energy radiation is preferred
Better results, with a significant decrease in absorbed dose to the breast tissue, are obtained with:
Rhodium target, giving 20.2 and 22.7 keV characteristic rays.

Rhodium or Palladium filter, having absorption edges at 23 & 24 keV, respectively.
Figure 3.9 compares (A) the spectrum

produced in this way by a molybdenum-
molybdenum combination with (B) the
spectrum that would be produced by operating
a tube with a tungsten target at 30 kV and
using a 0.5 mm Al filter.
N.B.: modern mammography tubes allow
the selection of both the filter & the target, for
example:
Mo target with either Mo or Rh filter
Rh or W target with a Rh filter.
IMAGE DEFINITION
Imaging microcalcifications needs high image definition
Rare earth screens . with principle interaction is the photoelectric effect with the L-
shell electrons ( the K-edge is 50 keV )
Single screen with a single sided emulsion on the distal side of the film , Single
coated film to avoid parallax and crossover
A vacuum cassette improves the film-screen contact.
The Mammography unit:

The cathode anode axis is perpendicular to the chest wall
The anode heel effect is utilized in mammography:
The axial ray "produced from the center of the focal spot more intense beam" is
directed to the chest wall "the thickest part of the breast" & the anode side of the beam
is not used
( MCQ: the axial ray is directed to the center of the x-ray field "F" )

The focal film distance is commonly 60 cm longer FFD would result in problems in
achieving sufficiently high exposures.
Dual focal spot sizes (0.4 mm) & ( 0.1-0.15 for magnification )
Operation potential ( 24 35 kV )
Tube current limited to 100 mA ( 40mA for small focal spot )
Compression of the breast:
Importance: the main purpose of compression is to improve image quality
Vital for immobilization as exposure times are relatively long so, movement
blurring
Reduce the object-film distance so reduce geometric blurring;
Equalize tissue thickness.
Compression also reduce patient dose (lower thickness allows reducing exposure).
Exposure time is long ( up to 2s or more )
Films = 3 to overcome the low subject contrast.
The use of a grid or air gap but the exposure and patient dose are increased.
A very fine high-resolution moving grid is the preferred option.
The grid moves continuously during the exposure to blur the grid lines.
Standard grid ratio for mammography is 4-5.
The AEC detectors are position behind the film cassette not to cause additional
attenuation
DOSE
Breast tissue is relatively sensitive to radiation.
The requirements of contrast & of sharpness or spatial resolution patient dose.
The beam is tightly collimated and the collimator is designed to protect the chest wall
from irradiation, and the rest of the body is protected by absorbing the remnant radiation
immediately behind the cassette.
Ironically, while the objective of mammography is the early detection of breast tumors
irradiation of breast tissue is itself carcinogenic.
The average dose to glandular tissue in the breast is ( 1-3 ) mGy per mammogram
dose 2 mGy carries a risk of inducing fatal cancer of about 1 / 50000 at age 50-65 year
This has implications for routine mammography of 'well women' outside recognized
breast-screening programs.
Mammography equipment is subject to strict Quality Assurance procedures.
1. Tube and generator tests for the low kV and filtration.
2. In addition, image quality and patient dose are crucial factors.
3. Collimation and field alignment are particularly important.
Dose limits:
The dose limit for the UK breast screening programme for a standard breast the
mean glandular dose to the breast is 2 mGy.
The diagnostic reference level for the breast screening programme for a 55 mm
thick compressed breast the mean glandular dose = 3.5 mGy.

4.8 Magnification ( MACRORADIOGRAPHY )
Where a magnified image is required the anode-object distance is decreased & the
object-film distance is increased.
Figure 3.8 shows that the image of a structure S is larger when the film F2 is away from the
patient than when it is at F1, close to the patient.
This has the following implications for technique:

Focal spot.
A very small focal spot must be used (e.g. 0.1 mm) otherwise geometric blurring would
be unacceptable.
The heat rating is reduced as a result of using small focal spot.
Exposure time increased to several seconds, to keep within the rating of the focal
spot
Movement blurring increased
Immobilization is therefore important.
Patient dose increased because of the increased exposure needed.
Contrast
No grid is needed.
The air gap reduces the scatter reaching the film reduce the additional exposure
needed (because the use of grids would necessitate exposure & this didn't happen).
Screen blurring not magnified although the image of the structure is magnified.
The relative effect of screen blurring is reduced.
Fast screens may be used, which again helps to reduce additional
exposure needed.
Geometrical blurring increased, relative to the size of the image.
Quantum mottle not increased, since the same number of X-ray photons are
absorbed in the screen, for the same film blackening.

4.9 LINEAR TOMOGRAPHY
In conventional projections , it is difficult to determine the depth due to
superimposition of the structures , this can be solved by orthogonal projections ( e.g. AP
& lateral )
Yet the superimposition of the structures lead to overall contrast reduction and inability
to determine the shapes of the structures, this can be solved by tomography.
In Tomography, only structures in selected level (parallel to the film) are imaged
sharply while those above & below are blurred by simultaneous movement of two of the
three; tube, film or patient.
The fulcrum (pivot) is fixed to the
plane which will be imaged, and the
tube and the film cassette are linked by
an expansible rod.
During the exposure, the cassette tray
moves horizontally along rails while
the tube moves to the other direction
with the central x-ray beam always
towards the pivot point (linear or
circular motion )
The structures at the level of the pivot
will have the same position on the film,
while the other structures at different
heights will sweeps across the film and
blurred out.
The larger the distance from the pivot
point the grater the blurring.
Cut Height (sometimes called the
'focal plane')., is adjusted be raising or
lowering the pivot
Cut Thickness is adjusted by the tomographic angle, reducing the angle with increase
the thickness. Also the thickness will be smaller with raising the fulcrum or decreasing
focus film distance (angle 40 with result in 3 mm thickness).
In tomography, low kV is must be used, the contrast is low and the attenuation is great
and the patient dose is greater than conventional radiology.
Narrow-angle Tomography "Zonography": Produce undistorted sharply defined

image of an entire structure in focal plane, against a background of slight
blurring, using narrow angle (< 10) and short exposure time. Done with circular
motion only

End of volume 1

Phys-FRCR Vol 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Phys-FRCR Vol 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Phys-FRCR Vol 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the main components of an atom?

What are the main components of an atom?

What are electron orbits and energy levels in an atom?

What are electron orbits and energy levels in an atom?

Physics

Dr. Khaled Elazhry

BASIC RADIATION PHYSICS

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 2

1.1 STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 4

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 5

1.2 ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 6

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 7

New intensity (Old distance)2

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 8

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 9

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 10

The anode rotates at a speed of about 3600 revolutions per

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 11

Radiation: transfer through infra-red

Convection: transfer from solids to gas or

Conduction: transfer through opaque solids

GRID-CONTROLLED X-RAY TUBES

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 12

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 13

(1) Alternating voltage ('self-rectification').

PROCESSES OCCURRING IN THE TARGET OF AN X-RAY TUBE

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 14

In the case of the usual target material, Tungsten "W" (Z = 74),

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 15

In the graph of continuous spectrum of the wavelengths of x rays. Notice that:

The maximum photon energy

If peak kV > K-shell binding energy,

The dashed line (b) shows the spectrum of

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 16

CONTROLLING THE X-RAY SPECTRUM

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 17

The fundamental law of X-ray attenuation:

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 18

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 19

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 20

Attenuation Of Heterogeneous Beam :

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 21

PAIR PRODUCTION & PHOTODISINTEGRATION:

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 22

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 23

The Compton process contributes to the total linear attenuation coefficient , an

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 24

In the case of air, tissue & bone (light-atom materials):

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 25

This Figure shows how the mass photoelectric

Applications of photoelectric effect in diagnostic radiology:

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 26

Fat Air Water, muscle Bone

ABSORPTION EDGES (The K-absorption edge)

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 27

Dr. Khaled Elazhry 28

ADDED "or Additional" Filtration: