Calculating X-ray Tube Spectra: Analytical and Monte Carlo Approaches

This book provides a comprehensive overview of x-ray tube modelling, covering both simple modelling approaches and full Monte Carlo simulation. It is supported by free open-source software and an online repository of code, making it an invaluable resource for learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 159 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Bremsstrahlung and its characteristic contributions to the spectrum are explored in depth, covering both simple modelling approaches and comprehensive full Monte Carlo simulation techniques. An extensive online repository of code and free open-source software are provided to support learning and facilitate practical applications.

Bremsstrahlung and its characteristic contributions to the spectrum are explored in depth, covering both simple modelling approaches and comprehensive full Monte Carlo simulation techniques. An extensive online repository of code and free open-source software are provided to support learning and facilitate practical applications.

Bremsstrahlung, a fundamental phenomenon in radiation physics, involves the acceleration of charged particles, such as electrons, by electromagnetic fields. When these particles collide with a material, they emit radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves. The spectrum of Bremsstrahlung radiation is characterized by a series of lines or bands, each corresponding to a specific energy level of the emitted electrons.

One of the key characteristics of Bremsstrahlung is its intensity dependence on the electron velocity. As the electron velocity increases, the intensity of the Bremsstrahlung radiation increases exponentially. This phenomenon is known as the Bremsstrahlung radiation law. The intensity of Bremsstrahlung radiation can also be affected by the material properties of the target material. For example, materials with high atomic numbers or dense structures tend to absorb more Bremsstrahlung radiation than materials with lower atomic numbers or less dense structures.

In addition to its intensity dependence on electron velocity and material properties, Bremsstrahlung radiation can also exhibit characteristic contributions to the spectrum. These contributions include the Compton effect, the photoelectric effect, and the Auger effect. The Compton effect occurs when an electron collides with a photon and transfers its energy to the photon, resulting in the emission of a new photon at a different energy level. The photoelectric effect occurs when an electron absorbs energy from a photon and is ejected from the material, leaving behind an electron hole. The Auger effect occurs when an electron ejects an inner atomic electron from a material, resulting in the emission of a new electron at a different energy level.

To study Bremsstrahlung and its characteristic contributions to the spectrum, various modelling approaches can be employed. Simple modelling approaches, such as the semi-empirical Bremsstrahlung formula, can provide reasonable estimates of Bremsstrahlung radiation intensity for a wide range of materials and electron velocities. However, for more accurate calculations, full Monte Carlo simulation techniques can be used. These techniques involve solving the electromagnetic field equations and tracking the trajectories of individual electrons to calculate the Bremsstrahlung radiation spectrum.

Full Monte Carlo simulation techniques have several advantages over simple modelling approaches. They can provide more accurate results for complex geometries and materials, including those with complex structures or materials with multiple energy levels. Additionally, full Monte Carlo simulation techniques can account for the effects of multiple scattering, which is a significant phenomenon in Bremsstrahlung radiation. Multiple scattering occurs when an electron collides with multiple atoms or molecules before being emitted from the material.

In conclusion, Bremsstrahlung and its characteristic contributions to the spectrum are important topics in radiation physics. Bremsstrahlung radiation is characterized by its intensity dependence on electron velocity and material properties, and it can exhibit characteristic contributions to the spectrum, such as the Compton effect, the photoelectric effect, and the Auger effect. To study Bremsstrahlung and its characteristic contributions to the spectrum, both simple modelling approaches and comprehensive full Monte Carlo simulation techniques can be employed. An extensive online repository of code and free open-source software are provided to support learning and facilitate practical applications in this field.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367520847