Spectroscopic analysis and dosimetry of diagnostic x-ray beams filtered by rare earth materials.

A laboratory investigation was carried out to assess the effect of various types of rare earth filter materials on the energy spectrum and concomitant reduced exposure values of diagnostic x-ray beams at 70, 80, and 90 kVp. An x-ray spectroscope was constructed and used to generate the energy spectra of beams passing through the various rare earth filter materials. Photographs were made of each spectrum, and live-time gross photon counts were recorded. Following spectral determinations, ionization chamber readings were generated for each filter material. Substantial effects on x-ray spectra and reduction of exposure values were noted. The degree of these effects were dependent on the atomic number, k-edge, and thickness of each filter. Metallic forms of rare earth materials proved to be more effective than the salt forms with erbium offering the greatest potential for reduction in exposures over the range of experimental kilovolt (peak) values.