SBIR Phase I: A Wafer-Scale Flat-Panel X-ray Source with Raster Control

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目旨在展示一种新型医学成像X射线源的关键技术。 世纪以来，医学成像基本上依赖于相同的方法来产生X射线：在真空管中产生，真空管易碎、沉重、不便携且昂贵。该建议提出了一种方法，该方法允许x射线源从管移动到以与现代电视机大致相同的方式生产的鲁棒平板系统;匹配现有技术平板数字放射学（DR）检测器的状态，并且显著地改变x射线设备的经济性和应用概况。第一阶段的预期结果是一个概念验证，表明可以从所提出的便携式平板光源产生足够高质量的x射线通量，并且可以寻址（光栅化）发射器阵列。模拟还将表明，这些器械将按预期运行，并符合临床需求和放射学技术标准。微加工将用于生产原型系统。 该项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是医学成像如何交付给患者的巨大转变。根据这一建议正在开发的X射线源将是高度便携和坚固的。这种设备可以由急救人员携带，但它也将改善医院内的便携式X射线放射学。目前用于重症监护室（ICU）和急诊室（ER）的设备体积庞大、笨重且使用不舒适，放射科必须前往患者处。该设备将降低与此类设备相关的成本和不适感，并从根本上改变医院固定放射学的经济性。所提出的技术有可能在保持图像质量的同时减少患者辐射暴露，并通过感兴趣区域选择改善高级成像，包括双能量X射线扫描、乳房X线摄影、断层合成和荧光透视：它可以帮助挽救生命，以较低的成本为更广泛的人群提供医疗保健，并且在以前无法访问的位置。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate key enabling technologies for a novel medical imaging x-­‐ray source. For over a century, medical imaging has relied on fundamentally the same approach to generate x-­‐rays: production in vacuum tubes, which are fragile, heavy, not portable, and expensive. This proposal presents a method that allows the x-­‐ray source to move from tubes to a robust flat-­‐panel system produced in much the same way as modern televisions; matching state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art flat-­‐panel Digital Radiology (DR) detector and dramatically changing the economics and application profile of x-­‐ray devices. The anticipated outcome of Phase I is a proof-­‐of-­‐concept showing sufficient high-­‐quality x-­‐ray flux can be generated from the proposed portable flat-­‐panel source and that the array of emitters can be addressed (rastered). Simulations will also show that these devices will perform as expected and conform to the clinical needs and technical standards in radiology. Microfabrication will be used to produce a prototype system. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is a dramatic shift in how medical imaging is delivered to the patient. The x-­‐ray source being developed under this proposal would be highly portable and robust. Such a device could be carried by first responders, but it would also improve portable x-­‐ ray radiology within the hospital. Current equipment for use in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Room (ER), where radiology must travel to the patient is bulky, cumbersome and uncomfortable in use. The device proposed would reduce the cost and discomfort associated with such equipment, as well as fundamentally changing the economics of the fixed radiology in hospitals. The proposed technology has the potential to reduce patient radiation exposure while maintaining image quality, and improve advanced imaging including dual energy x-­‐ray scans, mammography, tomosynthesis and fluoroscopy through Region of Interest selection: it can help save lives, provide healthcare to a wider population at lower costs, and in locations not previously accessible.