Share:

X-ray, Electron, and Ion Beam

This program supports the research and development of technologies and techniques that create images of internal structures, contrast agents, or molecular probes using x-rays transmitted through the body (CT, mammography) or x-ray stimulation of secondary emissions (x-ray fluorescence tomography).

Emphasis

Emphasis is on: simulation, design and development of new detector systems; new readout methods that enhance the signal quality for x-ray image generation; designs of novel imaging geometries; algorithms that compensate for the physical properties of the detection system to improve the clinical reliability of the image (reconstruction algorithms); and approaches to radiation dose reduction, especially in CT. Of interest are diagnostic image enhancements via photon counting, dual energy, and new applications of cone-beam tomography.

Relevance

The emphasized topics are meant to lead toward: improved clinical (CT, mammography) cameras or new camera geometries; new signal-processing and image-generation algorithms; corrections for image artifacts for enhanced reliability of clinical images; studies of x-ray physics to estimate absorbed energy of diagnostic scans; and methods of visualizing or measuring therapy doses. Investigating the associated dosimetry estimations help to decrease the risk of diagnostic and therapy techniques.

Additional emphasis

  • improvement in x-ray tube technologies
  • construction of flat panel detector arrays
  • evaluation of new semiconductor detectors and scintillators
  • reconstruction algorithms for CT and cone-beam geometry
  • advances of photon counting or dual energy in CT
  • techniques for improved image spatial resolution and sensitivity
  • investigating x-ray luminescence tomography
  • design and manufacture of x-ray gratings
  • investigating interferometry and (tissue-induced) phase contrast techniques
  • combining modalities for clinically relevant hybrid cameras
  • software algorithms which estimate patient dosimetry

Additional support

  • improvements in digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy
  • novel interaction processing such as those using scattered x-rays
  • developing ion beams for novel clinical applications
  • new diagnostics applied to image-guided therapy and theranostics

Notes

Notice of Special Interest in X-ray-based Devices for Trauma Care