Effective atomic number measurement with energy-resolved X-ray computed tomography

The effective atomic number, Zeff, is measured by the ratio of linear attenuation coefficients at two different X-ray energies obtained by monochromatic X-ray computed tomography (CT). However, monochromatic X-rays are available in synchrotron facilities only. By defining narrow energy ranges in energy-resolved CT using a current mode “transXend” detector, Zeffis measured for sugar and K2HPO4 solutions, as well as for water and acrylic. The experimental Zeffvalues obtained for water and acrylic were in excellent agreement with the theoretical values. The experimental Zeff values obtained for the sugar and K2HPO4 solutions had larger errors.