Evaluation of the X-Ray Absorption by Gold Nanoparticles Solutions

Abstract

The increase in the X-ray absorption due to gold nanoparticles was investigated by using aqueous solutions containing gold (Au) nanoparticles. A sample with 15 nm in size nanoparticles and 0.5 mg/mL gold concentration and a distilled water sample were used. Transmitted X-ray beams through the samples were registered with a CdTe detector and with an ionization chamber. Results show an enhancement in the X-ray absorption in the range 20%–6% for beams generated from 20 kV to 120 kV tube voltages, respectively. Results show that the use of gold nanoparticles, even at low concentrations, should result in a significant contrast enhancement for low-energy X-ray beams.