Comparison of Methods for Modifying the Emission Spectrum of a Pulsed X-ray Source to Determine the Most Effective Dual-Energy Image Processing

One of the promising methods of nondestructive testing for detecting substances that are similar in chemical composition and density is dual-energy X-ray image processing. In particular, dual-energy transformation algorithms can be applied to search for minerals hidden in waste rock. The method is most effective when the conditions for capturing X-ray images and energy levels are chosen correctly. This study compares the effectiveness of image processing using the dual-energy method in three cases of spectrum composition modification: first, by adjusting the voltage on the X-ray tube; second, by attenuating low-energy radiation using a copper filter; and third, by combining these methods. Fragments of beryl embedded in crushed muscovite were used as detection samples. A pulsed X-ray source that generates nanosecond-duration radiation pulses was used in this study. An original high-voltage generator circuit was implemented for the method of controlling radiation energy by varying the peak voltage on the X-ray tube. The use of such X-ray sources allows for obtaining high-resolution X-ray images of moving objects.