Enhancing the ratio of fluorescence to bremsstrahlung radiation in X-ray tube spectra

This paper describes techniques that can be used to improve the ratio of fl uorescence to bremsstrahlung radiation (F/B) in X-ray tube spectra. Firstly , an extension of the EGS4 code system is used to evaluate the impact of th e substrate in thin target applications, in terms of the yield of bremsstra hlung photons produced. The choice of materials to filter X-ray tube spectr a, and its effect in the F/B and the tube efficiency is discussed. The char acteristics of spectra produced in transmission tubes with different target thicknesses, substrates and tube voltages are also presented. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.