Measurement of Peak Voltage of Diagnostic X-Ray Generators

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Abstract
The measurement of the voltage of diagnostic X-ray generators, using the characteristic radiation emitted by scattering foils, is discussed, and a rigorous definition of the generator voltage which just equals that of the K-absorption edge is put forward. Previous methods of defining this voltage are shown to be either wrong or subject to random variations of up to 10%. Experimental evidence using a scintillation counter and multi-channel analyser is given in corroboration. The use of ionization chambers is also discussed and it is shown that reasonable accuracy (±1%) can be obtained using a single chamber to detect the characteristic radiation. The need for a differential filter of the same material as the scattering foil is considered, and evidence is presented to show that it can be replaced by a primary beam filter of aluminium of suitable thickness for the kilovoltage range under consideration.