A software tool for on field spectrometry of diagnostic X-ray beams

Conventional radiology uses X-ray beams with polychromatic spectrum consisting of a bremsstrahlung continuous component - with an energy band known only by means of half value layer (HVL), filtration and kVp values - and fluorescence lines. However the knowledge of the spectrum is crucial to allow advanced improvements of the diagnostic imaging with the lowest dose administered to the patients. In order to overcome the difficulty to make direct spectrometry on the diagnostic beam, we developed a simulation software based on a parametric semi-empirical model, that is able to reconstruct the X-ray diagnostic spectrum from 10 keV to 140 keV. This software makes use of experimental parameters, which can be measured in real time by two different methods. In this paper the calibration of detection systems will be described and discussed. In addition, the experimental validation of the software will be illustrated.