Use of National Physical Laboratory facilities by SME to optimise Field Emitters for use in X-ray generation for higher energy applications

需求：全球许多医院的计算机断层扫描(CT)能力受到限制，导致计划中的程序延迟。CT扫描的每次扫描都很昂贵，而且不断增加的使用量(每年10%)正在推动成本超过通胀。挑战：医疗保健领域需要低成本、低剂量的3D成像能力。Adaptix平板信号源支持高便携、低成本、低剂量、分辨率更高的3D“数字断层合成”解决方案。需要识别和减少平板不同区域X射线发射的差异。意义：3D成像是一种基本的临床工具，因为它提供了图像中的精致细节，从而提高了诊断的敏感性和特异性。源发射的可变性限制了3D图像的质量。发射器有限的寿命是其商业化的障碍。创新：具有亚微米空间分辨率的表面分析方法将使人们能够了解发射器变异性和故障的原因，从而确定缓解策略。结果：该项目是开发一种可靠的3D成像解决方案的一部分，该解决方案体积小(约20公斤)，价格足够便宜(10万英镑)，可以在医院和综合诊所内的移动基础上部署。该项目下完成的工作将与国家物理实验室(NPL)合作进行，并将建立在早期的“分析创新者”项目的基础上，但重点关注适用于普通放射学的更高功率输出。它将扩大对发射极尖端性能差异原因的了解，并有助于提高寿命、减少差异和降低制造成本的开发。发射器涂层和结构的进一步变化将在一系列迭代中进行和测试。“

"Need: Computed Tomography (CT) capability in many hospitals worldwide is under-constraint, resulting in delays to planned procedures. CT scans are expensive per scan, and the increasing use (\>10% per year) is driving costs beyond inflation.Challenge: There is a need for a lower-cost, lower-dose 3D imaging capability in healthcare. The Adaptix Flat Panel Source facilitates a highly portable and low-cost, low-dose 3D 'Digital Tomosynthesis' solution with enhanced resolution. Variability in X-ray emission from different areas in the flat panel needs to be identified and mitigated.Significance: 3D imaging is a fundamental clinical tool as it provides exquisite detail in images thereby enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis. Variability in source emission restricts the quality of 3D images. Limited lifetime of the emitters is a hurdle to their commercialisation.Innovation: Surface analytical methods with sub-micrometre spatial resolution will enable understanding of the reasons for emitter variability and failure, and thereby the identification of mitigation strategies. Outcome: This project is part of developing a reliable 3D imaging solution, small (circa 20kg) and cheap enough (<$100,000) to be deployed on a mobile basis within hospitals and polyclinics.The work done under this project will be performed in conjunction with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and will build upon an earlier 'Analysis for Innovator' project but ocussed on even higher power output that is suited for General Radiology. It will extend the understand the reason for variation in emitter tip performance and aid developments that enhance lifetime, reduce variation and reduce manufacturing costs. Further variation in emitter coatings and structure will be made and tested in a series of iterations."