Semi-Monochromatic Plasma Flash Radiography and Its Application to Biomedical Imaging Simulation

A high-intensity plasma flash X-ray generator having a radiation tube with a rod-shaped target and its application to biomedical imaging simulations are described. Plasma flash radiography was performed with charged voltages of 40, 50, and 60 kV, and with filter of the same material as the target. In the present work, molybdenum target was employed. With filter of the half value layer in thickness for each target, nearly monochromatic radiography with only K-characteristic X-ray spectra could be achieved. Next, with real X-ray spectra data acquired from the present generator, we performed a computer-aided biomedical imaging simulation using the program SPECTRA. It was developed as an assisting tool for our fundamental research on optimum control of flash X-ray spectra. Qualitatively, the simulated biomedical phantom images agreed with those from the Computed Radiography.