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Dosimetry for Cell Irradiation using Orthovoltage (40-300 kV) X-Ray Facilities
Published on: February 20, 2021
X-ray spectroscopy applied to radiation shielding calculation in mammography
Roseli Künzel1, Ronaldo Savarino Levenhagen, Silvio Bruni Herdade
1Area de Ciências Naturais e Tecnológicas, Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Medical Physics
|September 10, 2008
Summary
Shielding calculations for mammography facilities need accurate scattered radiation data. This study provides new scatter fraction data for different target/filter combinations, improving radiation safety in mammography.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiological Sciences
- Radiation Protection
Background:
- Mammography shielding design relies on understanding scattered radiation.
- Current shielding calculations use outdated scatter fraction data (Mo/Mo).
- Modern mammography equipment utilizes diverse anode/filter combinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate scatter fraction data for Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, and W/Rh target/filter combinations.
- To assess the impact of these combinations on shielding requirements.
- To compare different methods for converting air kerma to effective dose for shielding calculations.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of three mammography phantoms.
- Measurement of scattered radiation using a CdZnTe detector.
- Computation of primary x-ray spectra using a semiempirical model.
- Evaluation of scatter fraction data for various kVp and scattering angles.
Main Results:
- Scatter fraction values are higher for W/Rh than Mo/Mo and Mo/Rh.
- Primary and scattered air kerma are lower for W/Rh than Mo/Mo and Mo/Rh.
- Mo/Mo target/filter combination requires the thickest shielding barrier.
- A conversion coefficient of 1 Sv/Gy overestimates barrier thickness.
Conclusions:
- Updated scatter fraction data are crucial for accurate mammography shielding.
- W/Rh target/filter combinations may allow for reduced shielding compared to Mo/Mo.
- Specific conversion coefficients improve the accuracy of dose-based shielding calculations.
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