title: Comparison of voltage-divider, modified Ardran-Crooks cassette, and Ge(Li) spectrometer methods to determine the peak kilovoltage (kVp) of diagnostic x-ray units.
abstract: This report describes several different techniques that have been used to determine the peak kilovoltage (kVp) of single- and three-phase diagnostic x-ray units operating in both the radiographic and fluoroscopic mode, from 60 to 110 kVp, using (1) a voltage divider with oxcilloscope display; (2) a voltage divider and special summing amplifier with digital display of the voltage utilizing a multichannel analyzer; (3) a version of the Ardran-Crooks cassette technique; and (4) a Ge(Li) spectrometer method. Each technique presents a distinct advantage: Method (1) enables the waveform to be viewed directly; method (2) is probably the most accurate and reproducible technique; method (3) has the greatest ease of operation; and method (4) provides the ability to visualize the x-ray spectrum.
mesh_terms: D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*