ABSTRACT
In all X-ray imaging, a beam of X-ray photons passes through the anatomical region of interest, and produces an image from the transmitted photons. This chapter discusses X-ray production, the interaction of X-rays with matter, X-ray detection, mammography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography. It describes the spectrum of the X-ray beam, the X-ray tube and anode design. The chapter also describes the modulation transfer function, and the factors that contribute to X-ray image quality: spatial resolution, contrast and sensitivity. The probability of Compton-scattering events is inversely proportional to the X-ray energy, whereas the probability of photoelectric-effect events is inversely proportional to the cube of X-ray energy. Image intensifier screens placed on both sides of the film increase the signal recorded by the film. A developed type of digital detector is the flat panel detector, which consists of an X-ray sensitive layer and an active detector matrix.
