title: Evaluation of cassette performance: physical factors affecting patient exposure and image contrast.
abstract: Physical properties of four radiographic cassettes were investigated in combination with various screen/film systems. These properties included (a) transmittance of monoenergetic x rays over 14-96 keV and comparison with predictions based on attenuation coefficients; (b) relative patient exposure from 60 to 120 kV (from phantom measurements) and correlation with predictions based on measured transmittance as well as average energies and angles of incident radiation; and (c) amounts of scatter from various cassette materials and comparison with Monte Carlo calculations. The results provide a model of performance based on quantitation of cassette effects on system speed and image contrast. Carbon-fiber cassettes required the lowest patient exposure, produced the least scatter, and (in low-scatter situations) were capable of increased image contrast.
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D006801:Humans; D010969:Plastics; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014962:X-Ray Film
chemical_list: D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D010969:Plastics; D011076:Polycarboxylate Cement; C005506:polycarbonate; D002244:Carbon; C006682:bakelite; D000535:Aluminum