A Monte Carlo simulation study of a flat-panel X-ray source

A novel flat-panel transmission X-ray source based on nitrogen-incorporated ultra-nano-crystalline diamond (N-UNCD) field emitters is being developed for medical and industrial X-ray imaging. X-ray generation characteristics of the X-ray tubes were simulated with the MCNPX 2.6.0 Monte Carlo code. The simulation results showed that 0.25–12 μm thick tungsten targets could generate an adequate intensity of Bremsstrahlung X-rays. Generated X-ray output intensities of 1.48×1012 MeV/mA-s of 100 kVp electrons hitting the target were found before collimation.

► In this study, a flat-panel transmission X-ray source was modeled with MCNPX 2.6.0.
► Optimal target materials and thicknesses for maximal X-ray output were tested.
► Tungsten yielded higher X-ray intensity at 30 kVp and 100 kVp anode voltages.
► Transmission X-ray yielded higher output per unit solid angle than reflection X-ray.
► X-ray intensities around 1×107 MeV/mA-s could be generated after collimation.