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制作数字X射线照相图像的能力。这些系统中使用的非晶硒直接检测X射线探测器提供了最佳的空间分辨率，主要用于乳房X光摄影市场。然而，硒探测器耦合到非晶硅像素读出电路，该电路固有的噪声，因此对于低剂量、实时应用，在精细图像细节和图像对比度之间存在权衡。这项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光断层合成)中。改进直接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，减少辐射剂量，同时保持或提高探测器性能，是一项重要的竞争优势。这项研究的结果预计将有助于在5*10年内实现直接惠及加拿大经济的乳房X光断层扫描合成产品。这项研究还将涉及光电子、制造和信息技术行业未来科学家和工程师的培训。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.