Calculation of absolute intensities from X-ray imaging plates

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Image Analysis
• Radiation Detection

Background:

• Accurate quantification of X-ray photon flux is essential for many imaging applications.
• Traditional calibration methods often require independent detectors, adding complexity and potential error sources.
• Imaging plates offer a cost-effective alternative but require precise calibration for quantitative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel numerical technique for calibrating scanned imaging plates.
• To derive a conversion factor between pixel output and incident X-ray photon flux.
• To validate the technique using a Fuji BAS2000 imaging-plate scanner.

Main Methods:

• A numerical technique was developed utilizing inherent statistical information within the scanned image.
• No external calibration detectors were required for this method.
• The technique was applied to a Fuji BAS2000 scanner to determine the photons pixel(-1) per output unit.

Main Results:

• The developed technique yielded a conversion factor of 163 (8) photons pixel(-1) per output unit.
• This value was determined for a Fuji BAS2000 scanner at 1.2 A, 20 minutes post-exposure.
• The results showed favorable agreement with an independently measured factor of 171.1 (5) photons pixel(-1) (output unit)(-1) using a Ge detector.

Conclusions:

• The proposed numerical technique provides a reliable method for calibrating imaging plates.
• This self-calibration approach simplifies quantitative X-ray imaging with scanned plates.
• The findings support the use of imaging plates for accurate X-ray flux measurements.