Diffraction Enhanced Imaging Laboratory Research Machine

描述（由申请人提供）：衍射增强成像（DEI）是x射线成像的一种新方法，有可能彻底改变x射线医学成像，因为它在较低的x射线剂量下比传统放射照相具有更高的对比度。DEI依靠测量准直x射线束穿过物体（病人）时的微小角偏转来获取图像。DEI在低密度矩阵中检测低密度特征的能力将使其在医学诊断和研究中特别有用。DEI目前仅限于同步加速器辐射设施，但这项技术在医学成像研究以及随后的临床应用中的潜在影响，将远远超过现有或预计的同步加速器光束线的容量。我们建议开发用于医学影像研究的DEI实验室研究机。它的成功开发，具有可接受的图像采集时间，对比度和分辨率，将为随后的商业化提供必要的知识基础-这是DEI更广泛使用和开发成像技术本身的关键-以及开发适当的成像协议和方法。因此，该项目将为逐步发展研究仪器、临床诊断仪器和可能的临床筛查仪器提供必要的“跳板技术”。第一阶段的具体目标是开发和演示：1)通过使用更高功率、更高能量的x射线源缩短图像采集时间；2)实施样本扫描系统，增加视野；3)提高了系统的机械稳定性，同时减少了光学系统的对准时间。假设第一阶段取得了良好的成果，第二阶段项目的目标将是实现：高功率（60千瓦）x射线源；更高效的探测器；用户友好的图形用户界面；简单系统的预测建模，以及相对图像质量量化的一种手段。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) is a novel approach to X-ray imaging that has the potential to revolutionize X-ray medical imaging, because of its greater contrast at lower delivered X-ray doses than conventional radiography. DEI relies on measuring tiny angular deflections of a collimated X-ray beam as it passes through the object (patient) in acquiring the images. The capability of DEI to detect low-density features in low-density matrices will make it especially useful in medical diagnoses and research. DEI is currently limited to synchrotron radiation facilities, but the potential impact of this technology in medical imaging research, and subsequently in clinical use, will far exceed the current or projected capacity of available synchrotron beamlines. We propose to develop DEI Laboratory Research Machine for medical imaging research. Its successful development, with acceptable image acquisition times, contrast and resolution would provide the knowledge base necessary for subsequent commercialization - a key to DEI's wider use and development of the imaging technology itself - along with the development of appropriate imaging protocols and methods. This project would thus provide the requisite "springboard technology" for the stepwise development of research instrumentation, clinical diagnosis instrumentation, and possibly clinical screening instrumentation. The specific aims of the Phase I is to develop and demonstrate: 1) Shortening the image acquisition time by using a higher power, higher energy X-ray source; 2) Implementing a sample scanning system to increase field of view; 3) Improving the mechanical stability of the system together with reducing the time for aligning the optical system. Assuming favorable results from phase I, the aims of the Phase II project will be the implementation of: a high-power (60 KW) X-ray source; of a more efficient detector; of a user-friendly GUI; of predictive modeling for simple systems, and of a means of relative image quality quantification.