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
- development of imaging molecular agents is supported by the Molecular Imaging program
- novel evaluation of images is supported by the Image Processing, Visual Perception and Display program
- clinical application of image-guided therapy and theranostics is supported by the Image-Guided Interventions program
Notice of Special Interest in X-ray-based Devices for Trauma Care