Measurement of X-ray intensity in the medical diagnostic range by a ferroelectric detector

A pyroelectric detector is described for measuring the energy fluence rate (intensity) of X-ray pulses with duration from 0.8 to 6 seconds in the diagnostic energy range from 50 to 140 kVp corresponding to an equivalent photon energy of 29 to 45 keV. Detector response to a radiation pulse conforms to theoretical prediction based upon thermal and electrical analysis and is linear with energy fluence rate of the radiation over the range studied. The detector is small, inexpensive, rugged, and simple to construct.