A Quantitative Theory of the Hounsfield Unit and Its Application to Dual Energy Scanning

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Abstract
A standard definition is proposed for the Hounsfield number [to aid in differential diagnosis]. Any number is computed tomography can be converted to the Hounsfield scale after performing a simple calibration using air and water. The energy dependence of the Hounsfield number, H, is given by the expression H = (Hc + Hp Q)/(1 + Q), where Hc and Hp are the Compton and photoelectric coefficients of the material being measured, expressed in Hounsfield units, and Q is the quality factor of the scanner. Q can be measured by performing a scan of a single calibrating material, such as a KI solution. By applying this analysis to dual energy scans, the Compton and photoelectric coefficients of an unknown substance may easily be obtained. This can lead to a limited degree of chemical identification.

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