Back-scattered x-ray radiation attenuation method and apparatus

Abstract

A method for improving resolution of X-ray radiography systems of the type used to obtain images of internal features of human bodies or to view contents of luggage articles, cargo containers and the like comprises positioning a plurality of baffle plates between the rear surface of an X-ray radiation detector array and a back stop used to limit transmitted X-ray radiation to a safe level. The baffle plates are made of a high atomic-number metal such as iron or lead which reduces by absorption, scattering or other attenuating processes the intensity of X-ray radiation back scattered from the back-stop onto the detector array, thus reducing noise contributions to signals output from detector elements of the array and thereby improving the quality of radiographic images formed from detector output signals. A back-scattered X-ray radiation attenuation apparatus according to the present invention utilizes pairs of horizontal upper and lower baffle plates disposed longitudinally rearward from upper and lower sides of individual X-ray radiation detector elements, or groups of elements, of a detector array, and optionally includes pairs of baffle plates disposed transversely to the horizontally disposed plates to thereby form an array of tubular collimatator elements which intercept and attenuate X-ray radiation scattered from locations on a back-stop on lateral sides of as well as above and below the detector elements.