A comparison of x-ray spectra and outputs from molybdenum and tungsten targets

The relative merits of tungsten and molybdenum targets for mammography have been the subject of much discussion. Therefore the spectra and outputs (at constant potential) from molybdenum and tungsten targets, interchangeable in the same tube, have been measured with a Ge(Li) detector and ion chamber respectively. All conditions apart from the target material were unaltered. The spectra have been corrected for the distortions produced by the detector. The effects of filtration on spectra and exposure rates have been calculated and are in agreement with measured values. The spectra and outputs from molybdenum and tungsten targets filtered by aluminium and molybdenum have been investigated and the results are discussed with reference to mammography and the radiography of specimens.