Understanding surface contamination of cold cathode emitters

医疗保健需求：全球许多医院的计算机断层扫描（CT）能力受到限制，导致计划的程序延迟。每次CT扫描都很昂贵，而且使用率的增加（通常每年10%）是推动医疗成本超过通货膨胀的一个因素。医疗保健行业需要低成本、低剂量的3D成像能力。意义：三维成像是一种基本的临床工具，因为它提高了诊断的敏感性和特异性，并随着时间的推移增强了特征。创新：低剂量3D“数字断层合成”（DT）成像目前使用计算机控制的移动设备上的光源或使用一系列独立的固定管来实现。目前的DT解决方案（用于乳腺成像和普通放射学）价格昂贵（完全安装约45万美元），而且解决方案太大，只能固定在适当的位置。Adaptix平板源促进了高度便携和低成本的断层合成解决方案，提高了分辨率。结果：我们看到了一种可以生产3D成像解决方案的方法，体积小（约20公斤），价格便宜（低于10万美元），可以在医院和综合诊所的移动基础上部署。NPL的创新分析将有助于理解发射器尖端性能的变化，并有助于提高使用寿命、减少变化和降低制造成本的开发。

Healthcare 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 (typically>10% per year) is a factor in driving healthcare costs beyond inflation. There is a need for a lower-cost, lower-dose 3D imaging capability in healthcare. Significance: 3D imaging is a fundamental clinical tool as it enhances the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, and allows enhanced characterisation over time. Innovation: Low-dose 3D 'Digital Tomosynthesis' ('DT') imaging is currently achieved using a source on a computer controlled mover, or using a series of separate stationary tubes. Current DT solutions (used in Breast Imaging and General Radiology) are expensive (circa $450,000 fully installed) and so large the solution can only be fixed in place. The Adaptix Flat Panel Source facilitates a highly portable and low-cost tomosynthesis solution with enhanced resolution. Outcome: We see a way to allow to produce a 3D imaging solution, small (circa 20kg) and cheap enough (<$100,000) to be deployed on a mobile basis within hospitals and polyclinics. The innovative analysis by NPL will enable understanding of the variation in emitter tip performance and aid developments that enhance lifetme, reduce variation and reduce manufactutring costs.