Calibration and validation of a voxel phantom for use in the Monte Carlo modeling and optimization of x-ray imaging systems

David R. Dance; Graham McVey; Michael P. Sandborg; Jan Persliden; Gudrun Alm Carlsson

doi:10.1117/12.349533

28 May 1999 Calibration and validation of a voxel phantom for use in the Monte Carlo modeling and optimization of x-ray imaging systems

David R. Dance, Graham McVey, Michael P. Sandborg, Jan Persliden, Gudrun Alm Carlsson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3659, Medical Imaging 1999: Physics of Medical Imaging; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349533
Event: Medical Imaging '99, 1999, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A Monte Carlo program has been developed to model X-ray imaging systems. It incorporates an adult voxel phantom and includes anti-scatter grid, radiographic screen and film. The program can calculate contrast and noise for a series of anatomical details. The use of measured H and D curves allows the absolute calculation of the patient entrance air kerma for a given film optical density (or vice versa). Effective dose can also be estimated. In an initial validation, the program was used to predict the optical density for exposures with plastic slabs of various thicknesses. The agreement between measurement and calculation was on average within 5%. In a second validation, a comparison was made between computer simulations and measurements for chest and lumbar spine patient radiographs. The predictions of entrance air kerma mostly fell within the range of measured values (e.g. chest PA calculated 0.15 mGy, measured 0.12 - 0.17 mGy). Good agreement was also obtained for the calculated and measured contrasts for selected anatomical details and acceptable agreement for dynamic range. It is concluded that the program provides a realistic model of the patient and imaging system. It can thus form the basis of a detailed study and optimization of X-ray imaging systems.

Citation Download Citation

David R. Dance, Graham McVey, Michael P. Sandborg, Jan Persliden, and Gudrun Alm Carlsson "Calibration and validation of a voxel phantom for use in the Monte Carlo modeling and optimization of x-ray imaging systems", Proc. SPIE 3659, Medical Imaging 1999: Physics of Medical Imaging, (28 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349533

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available