A method for improving resolution of X-ray radiography systems of the type
used to obtain images of internal features of human bodies or to view
contents of luggage articles, cargo containers and the like comprises
positioning a plurality of baffle plates between the rear surface of an
X-ray radiation detector array and a back stop used to limit transmitted
X-ray radiation to a safe level. The baffle plates are made of a high
atomic-number metal such as iron or lead which reduces by absorption,
scattering or other attenuating processes the intensity of X-ray
radiation back scattered from the back-stop onto the detector array, thus
reducing noise contributions to signals output from detector elements of
the array and thereby improving the quality of radiographic images formed
from detector output signals. A back-scattered X-ray radiation
attenuation apparatus according to the present invention utilizes pairs
of horizontal upper and lower baffle plates disposed longitudinally
rearward from upper and lower sides of individual X-ray radiation
detector elements, or groups of elements, of a detector array, and
optionally includes pairs of baffle plates disposed transversely to the
horizontally disposed plates to thereby form an array of tubular
collimatator elements which intercept and attenuate X-ray radiation
scattered from locations on a back-stop on lateral sides of as well as
above and below the detector elements.