Establishment of ISO 4037-1 X-ray Narrow-Spectrum Series at SSDL of Algiers

The aim of this work was to develop some X-ray qualities recommended by the International Standardization Organization (ISO) in its standard ISO 4037-1. X-ray qualities corresponding to narrow-spectrum series were established, determined their characteristics and found good agreement with those of reference X-ray beam qualities [difference between first half-value layer (HVL1) < 5% for all qualities]. Acceptable results have also been obtained for second half-value layer (HVL2). The production of X-ray spectra corresponding to developed X-ray qualities with Monte Carlo code PENELOPE (PENetration and Energy Loss Of Positrons and Electrons) was simulated. The characteristics [HVL1, HVL2, homogeneity coefficient (HC) and mean energy (Emean)] of simulated spectra have been calculated and compared to those of measured spectra at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt taken as reference spectra. The obtained results showed a good agreement between simulated and measured spectra (differences in HVL1, HVL2, HC and Emean were 1.7, 1.44, 0.44 and 1.3%, respectively). The comparison between simulated and measured spectra by calculating the conversion coefficients from air kerma to the personal dose equivalent, hpk(10), and to the ambient dose equivalent, hk*(10), was supplemented. The comparison between the calculated quantities (hpk(10) and hk*(10)) for the two X-ray spectra series showed a good agreement (the maximum difference was <0.4% for hpk(10) and <0.3% for hk*(10)). Furthermore, the percentage depth dose produced in water by simulated and measured spectra was investigated and a good agreement was found between the obtained curves. The established X-ray qualities have been fully characterised (measurement and Monte Carlo simulation). These X-ray beams can be used for calibration of radiation protection instruments and for reference irradiations.