A validation of SpekPy: A software toolkit for modelling X-ray tube spectra

• Purpose: To validate the SpekPy software toolkit that has been developed to estimate the spectra emitted fromtungsten anode X-ray tubes. The model underlying the toolkit introduces improvements upon a well-knownsemi-empirical model of X-ray emission.Materials and methods: Using the same theoretical framework as the widely-used SpekCalc software, new electronpenetration data was simulated using the Monte Carlo (MC) method, alternative bremsstrahlung crosssectionswere applied, L-line characteristic emissions were included, and improvements to numerical methodsimplemented. The SpekPy toolkit was developed with the Python programming language. The toolkit was validatedagainst other popular X-ray spectrum models (50 to 120 kVp), X-ray spectra estimated with MC (30 to150 kVp) as well as reference half value layers (HVL) associated with numerous radiation qualities from standardlaboratories (20 to 300 kVp).Results: The toolkit can be used to estimate X-ray spectra that agree with other popular X-ray spectrum modelsfor typical configurations in diagnostic radiology as well as with MC spectra over a wider range of conditions.The improvements over SpekCalc are most evident at lower incident electron energies for lightly and moderatelyfiltered radiation qualities. Using the toolkit, estimations of the HVL over a large range of standard radiationqualities closely match reference values.Conclusions: A toolkit to estimate X-ray spectra has been developed and extensively validated for central-axisspectra. This toolkit can provide those working in Medical Physics and beyond with a powerful and user-friendlyway of estimating spectra from X-ray tubes.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Radiologi och bildbehandling (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (hsv//eng)

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