Feasibility of dual-energy CBCT by spectral filtration of a dual-focus CNT x-ray source.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is now widely used in dentistry and growing areas of medical imaging. The presence of strong metal artifacts is however a major concern of using CBCT especially in dentistry due to the presence of highly attenuating dental restorations, fixed appliances, and implants. Virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) synthesized from dual energy CT (DECT) datasets are known to reduce metal artifacts.

Simulation on system configuration for stationary head CT using linear carbon nanotube x-ray source arrays.

The invention of carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source arrays has enabled the development of novel imaging systems, including stationary tomosynthesis and stationary computed tomography (CT) with fast data acquisition, mechanically robust structures, and reduced image blur from source-detector motion. In this work, we report the results of simulation studies of potential system configurations for a stationary head CT (s-HCT) using linear CNT x-ray sources and detector arrays. We explored s-HCT configurations that utilize one, two, and three linear CNT source arrays.

Evaluation of carbon nanotube x-ray source array for stationary head computed tomography.

Purpose: Stationary computed tomography (s-CT) conceptually offers several advantages over existing rotating gantry-based CT. Over the last 40 yr, s-CT has been investigated using different technological approaches. We are developing a s-CT system specifically for head/brain imaging using carbon nanotube (CNT)-based field emission x-ray source array technology.

Second generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with faster scan time and wider angular span.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize a new generation stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with higher tube flux and increased angular span over a first generation system.

Methods: The linear CNT x-ray source was designed, built, and evaluated to determine its performance parameters. The second generation system was then constructed using the CNT x-ray source and a Hologic gantry.

High resolution stationary digital breast tomosynthesis using distributed carbon nanotube x-ray source array.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of increasing the system spatial resolution and scanning speed of Hologic Selenia Dimensions digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) scanner by replacing the rotating mammography x-ray tube with a specially designed carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array, which generates all the projection images needed for tomosynthesis reconstruction by electronically activating individual x-ray sources without any mechanical motion. The stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) design aims to (i) increase the system spatial resolution by eliminating image blurring due to x-ray tube motion and (ii) reduce the scanning time. Low spatial resolution and long scanning time are the two main technical limitations of current DBT technology.