Performance Modeling of Scintillator-Based X-Ray Imaging Systems

Abstract

We recently have been involved in developing x-ray detector systems for industrial NDE applications. A two-step process is commonly used to convert the x-ray flux transmitted through the part under test into a digitized image, with individual pixel values corresponding to the x-ray properties in different regions of the part. First, a scintillator material absorbs x rays and emits light in proportion to the amount of x-ray energy absorbed. Second, this light is converted into an electronic signal by a photodetector device. This electronic signal can then be digitized and stored in a computer system for image display and analysis.