SS03-Class6_XRayInstr2-x-ray-imaging.pptVIP

Biomedical Imaging I Class 6 – X-Ray Imaging 2: Instrumentation and Applications cont. 3/19/03 X-ray tube design Cathode w/ focusing cup, 2 filaments different spot sizes Anode Tungsten, Zw 74, Tmelt 3300 oC Embedded in copper for heat dissipation Angled see next slide Rotating to divert heat Reduction of anode heating Anode angle of 7o…15o results in apparent or effective spot size Seffective much smaller than the actual focal spot of the electron beam by factor ~10 Seffective depending on image location Rotation speed ~ 1000 rpm Decreases surface area for heat dissipation from w ? r2 - r1 to p r22 - r12 ; generally by a factor of 18-35. Limitations of anode angle Restricting target coverage for given source-to-image distance SID Heel effect causes inhomogeneous x-ray exposure Magnification and image blur Geometric magnification given by Reduction of M by minimizing B, i.e. placing patient next to film. Finite target thickness can lead to variations in M. Blurring of edges and fine structures due to finite source size leads to penumbra p:? loss of spatial resolution X-ray dosimetry I X-ray exposure X is quantified by measuring the number of free charge carriers positive ions + electrons generated in air at standard conditions. This leads to the traditional unit for exposure, the Roentgen [R] The radiation absorbed dose D [Rad] is defined as Energy it takes to produce one ion pair in air: 33.97 eV 33.97 J/C ? energy absorbed in air for 1 R: Conversion from exposure to dose: X-ray dosimetry II Absorbed dose depends on material; for medium other than air: Energy dependent F factor  Roentgen-to-Rad conversion factor : Biological effects of ionizing radiation Damage depends on deposited absorbed energy intensity ? time per tissue volume Threshold: No minimum level is known, below which damage occurs Exposure time: Because of recovery, a given dose is less harmful if divided Exposed area: The larger the exposed a