Multi-layer imager design for mega-voltage spectral imaging.

Multi-layer imager design for mega-voltage spectral imaging.
Phys Med Biol. 2018 Apr 13;:
Authors: Myronakis ME, Hu YH, Fueglistaller R, Wang A, Baturin P, Huber P, Morf D, Star-Lack JM, Berbeco RI
Abstract
The architecture of multi-layer imagers (MLIs) can be exploited to provide megavoltage spectral imaging (MVSPI) for specific imaging tasks. In the current work, we investigated bone suppression and gold fiducial contrast enhancement as two clinical tasks which could be improved with spectral imaging. A method based on analytical calculations that enables rapid investigation of MLI component materials and thicknesses was developed and validated against Monte Carlo computations. The figure of merit for task-specific imaging performance was the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the gold fiducial when the CNR of bone was equal to zero after a weighted subtraction of the signals obtained from each MLI layer. Results demonstrated a sharp increase in the CNR of gold when the buildup component or scintillation materials and thicknesses were modified. The potential for low-cost, prompt implementation of specific modifications (e.g. composition of the build-up layer) could accelerate clinical translation of MVSPI.
PMID: 29652670 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Physics in Medicine and Biology - April 13, 2018 Category: Physics Authors: Myronakis ME, Hu YH, Fueglistaller R, Wang A, Baturin P, Huber P, Morf D, Star-Lack JM, Berbeco RI Tags: Phys Med Biol Source Type: research