Study on the characteristics of X-ray spectra in imaging diagnosis using Monte Carlo simulations

X-rays are widely used in diagnostic imaging such as radiography and computed tomography. An understanding of the X-ray spectrum is essential for estimating the dose absorbed by the patient and for improving image quality. In this research, X-ray emission spectra were investigated by using two different approaches: a Monte Carlo method using the MCNP5 code and a semi-empirical calculation with SpekCalc software. The results were compared with each other to validate the Monte Carlo simulation of the X-ray spectra, so that the simulation model can be applied to estimating the dose rate distribution in X-ray imaging. The obtained results show good agreement between the two approaches, but some divergence is still observed in the characteristic X-ray peaks. In addition, the influence of X-ray tube parameters such as the peak voltage, filter, anode angle and target material on of the beam quality was investigated.