Experimental test of a new method for kVp measurements

We present the results of an experimental test of a new method for measuring the kVp of a diagnostic x-ray beam. The method involves measuring x-ray attenuation in copper or tin absorbers and plotting the attenuation curve in a new way. Our measurements were done at 60, 90, 100, and 120 kVp on a 3-phase, 12-pulse diagnostic generator. The kVp was measured with a calibrated voltage divider-oscilloscope system. Except at 90 kVp, excellent agreement was found, with precisions on the order of plus or minus 1%. The 90-kVp point appeared to be somewhat affected by characteristic tungsten radiation and gave agreement with a lower value of precision.