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）能力不足，导致计划程序的延迟。CT扫描每次扫描的成本很高，并且越来越多的使用（每年超过10%）正在推动成本超过通货膨胀。挑战：医疗保健领域需要更低成本、更低剂量的3D成像功能。Adaptix平板源提供了一种高度便携、低成本、低剂量的3D“数字断层合成”解决方案，具有更高的分辨率。需要识别和缓解平板中不同区域的X射线发射的变化。意义：3D成像是一种基本的临床工具，因为它提供了图像的精致细节，从而提高了诊断的灵敏度和特异性。源发射的可变性限制了3D图像的质量。创新：具有亚微米空间分辨率的表面分析方法将有助于了解发射器可变性和故障的原因，从而确定缓解战略。结果：该项目是开发可靠的3D成像解决方案的一部分，（约20公斤）和足够便宜（<$100，在医院和综合诊所内以移动的方式部署。在该项目下完成的工作将与国家物理实验室（NPL）共同进行。并将建立在早期的“创新者分析”项目的基础上，但侧重于更高的功率输出，适用于普通放射学。它将扩展对发射器尖端性能变化原因的理解，并有助于提高寿命、减少变化和降低制造成本的发展。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."