The validity of Monte Carlo simulation in studies of scattered radiation in diagnostic radiology

Abstract

A computer program using Monte Carlo methods has been developed for the simulation of photon scattering in tissue-equivalent phantoms for incident x-rays in the diagnostic energy range. The study verified that the sampling schemes used in the program can produce random samples according to the theoretical probability distribution functions which describe the photon-scattering process. The Monte Carlo program was applied to determinations of the scatter fractions and edge responses for various phantom sizes, X-ray energies, and recording systems. These quantities were also measured experimentally under comparable imaging conditions. Excellent agreement was obtained between the predicted and experimental results. This investigation established the validity of our Monte Carlo calculations for studies of the physical characteristics of scattered radiation in diagnostic radiology.