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

这项小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目旨在展示一种新型医学成像x的关键使能技术。射线源。一个多世纪以来，医学成像基本上依靠相同的方法来生成x射线。射线：在真空管中生产，易碎、重、不便携、昂贵。这个提议提出了一个方法，允许x——&amp；#8208；射线源从电子管移动到坚固的平面——&amp；#8208；面板系统的生产方式与现代电视大致相同；匹配状态,,# 8208;,,# 8208;,,# 8208;艺术平,,# 8208;面板数字放射学（DR）探测器，并极大地改变了x的经济性和应用概况- &amp；#8208；射线装置。第一阶段的预期结果是——&amp；#8208；显示足够高的概念——&amp；#8208；质量x,, # 8208;射线通量可以从提议的便携式平板产生——&amp；#8208；面板源和发射器阵列可以被寻址（光栅）。模拟还将表明，这些设备将按照预期运行，并符合临床需要和放射学的技术标准。微加工将用于生产原型系统。这个项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是如何向患者提供医学成像的巨大转变。x,, # 8208;根据该建议开发的射线源将具有高度的可移植性和健壮性。这种设备可以由急救人员携带，但它也可以改进便携式设备。医院里的射线放射学。目前在重症监护病房（ICU）和急诊室（ER）中使用的设备体积庞大，笨重且使用起来不舒服，在这些地方放射学必须传递给患者。所提出的设备将降低与此类设备相关的成本和不适，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减少患者的辐射暴露，同时保持图像质量，并改善先进的成像，包括双能量x- &amp；#8208；射线扫描、乳房x线照相术、断层合成和通过感兴趣区域选择的透视检查：它可以帮助拯救生命，以较低的成本为更广泛的人群提供医疗保健，并在以前无法到达的地方提供医疗保健。

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.