Contrast Agent X-ray Attenuation Calculator

This tool calculates the X-ray transmission through common contrast agents, such as iodine and barium, used in medical imaging.

X-ray Energy (keV)

Select Contrast Agent

Concentration ($g/cm^3$)

Thickness ($t$, cm)

Results

Transmitted Ratio ($I/I_0$): 0

Linear Attenuation Coeff. ($\mu$): 0 $cm^{-1}$

Underlying Principles

Contrast agents are substances with a high atomic number that enhance the visibility of internal structures in X-ray imaging by absorbing more radiation than surrounding tissues. The transmission of X-rays through a contrast agent solution follows the exponential attenuation law.

$$I = I_0 e^{-\mu t} = I_0 e^{-(\frac{\mu}{\rho}) \rho t}$$

Where $I$ is the transmitted intensity, $I_0$ is the incident intensity, $\mu/\rho$ is the mass attenuation coefficient of the agent at a given X-ray energy, $\rho$ is the concentration of the agent (acting as density), and $t$ is the thickness.

Mass Attenuation Coefficients ($\mu/\rho$)

This table provides simplified mass attenuation coefficients for the selected contrast agents.

Energy (keV)	Iodine ($cm^2/g$)	Barium ($cm^2/g$)
50	2.06	4.35
80	0.94	1.39
100	0.78	0.91
120	0.68	0.72

Contrast Agent X-ray Attenuation Calculator

Results

Underlying Principles

Mass Attenuation Coefficients (\(\mu/\rho\))