Analysis of monochromatic and quasi-monochromatic X-ray sources in imaging and therapy

We studied biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications of recently developed quasi-monochromatic and monochromatic X-ray sources [1]. Using the Monte Carlo code GEANT4, we found that the quasi-monochromatic 65 keV Gaussian X-ray spectrum created by inverse Compton scattering with relatavistic electron beams were capable of producing better image contrast with less radiation compared to conventional 120 kV broadband CT scans [3]. We also explored possible experimental detection of theoretically predicted K$\alpha$ resonance fluorescence in high-Z elements [2] using the European Synchrotron Research Facility with a tungsten (Z = 74) target. In addition, we studied a newly developed quasi-monochromatic source generated by converting broadband X-rays to monochromatic K$\alpha$ and $\beta$ X-rays with a zirconium target (Z = 40). We will further study how these K$\alpha$ and K$\beta$ dominated spectra can be implemented in conjunction with nanoparticles for targeted therapy.\newline 1. S.N.Lim, et al, JRR 56, 77 (2015)\newline 2. S.N.Nahar, A.K. Pradhan, JQSRT 155, 32 (2015)\newline 3. S.N.Lim\&M.S.Westphal, et al, PMB (submitted 2017)\newline Acknowledgement: Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, OH