High speed, low noise, direct detection X-ray imagers for medical imaging applications

基于非晶硅数字平板技术的新型x射线照相系统彻底改变了我们生产数字x射线照相图像的能力。这些系统中使用的非晶态硒直接检测x射线探测器提供了最佳的空间分辨率，主要用于乳房x光检查市场。然而，硒探测器与非晶态硅像素读出电路耦合，该电路固有噪声大，因此在低剂量实时应用中，需要在精细图像细节和图像对比度之间进行权衡。该研究项目的目标是开发一种数字成像仪，在快速帧速率应用中提供更高的信噪比（SNR），同时保留精细的图像细节，例如，在乳腺癌的3D诊断成像（乳房x线摄影断层合成）中。改进数字x射线成像技术的主要好处包括减少诊断错误和更好地检测癌症。此外，降低辐射剂量，同时保持或提高探测器的性能，是一个重要的竞争优势。这项研究的结果有望在5*10年的时间框架内帮助实现乳房x线摄影断层合成产品，这将直接有利于加拿大的经济。这项研究还将涉及培训未来的光电、制造业和信息技术行业的科学家和工程师。这些高技能人才对于保持加拿大在国际上的技术优势至关重要。

New x-ray radiographic systems based on amorphous silicon digital flat panel technology have revolutionized our capability of producing digital x-ray radiographic images. Amorphous selenium direct-detection X-ray detectors used in these systems provide the best spatial resolution and are predominantly used in the mammography market However, the selenium detector is coupled to an amorphous silicon pixel readout circuit which is inherentty noisy, therefore there is a trade-off between fine image detail and image contrast for low dose, real-time applications. The goal of this research project is to develop a digital imager that provides higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in fast frame rate applications while preserving fine image detail, for example, in 3D diagnostic imaging of breast cancer (mammography tomosynthesis). The primary benefits of improving digrtal X-ray imaging technology include reduction of diagnostic error and better detection of cancer. In addition, a reduction in radiation dose, while maintaining or enhancing detector performance, is an important competitive advantage. The results of this research are expected to help realize a mammography tomosynthesis product in the 5*10 year time rrame that will directly benefit the Canadian economy. The research will also involve the training of future scientists and engineers in the photonics, manufacturing, and information technology industries. Such highly skilled personnel are essential to maintain Canada's technological advantage internationally.