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Progress in electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) based, high-resolution, high-sensitivity x-ray detector for fluoroscopy
Andrew T Kuhls1, Girijesh Yadava, Vikas Patel
1University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Toshiba Stroke Research Center, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY USA 14214.
Proceedings of Spie--The International Society for Optical Engineering
|September 28, 2011
Summary
A novel EMCCD-based x-ray detector offers high resolution, sensitivity, and low noise for advanced fluoroscopic applications. This technology shows potential to surpass current flat-panel detectors in key performance metrics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Detector Technology
- X-ray Imaging
Background:
- Current flat-panel detectors face limitations in sensitivity and noise for demanding applications.
- Existing technologies may not meet the high frame rate and resolution requirements for advanced fluoroscopy and angiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a new high-resolution, high-sensitivity, low-noise x-ray detector system.
- To evaluate the performance of an EMCCD-based detector for fluoroscopic applications.
- To compare the new detector's capabilities against existing flat-panel detector technology.
Main Methods:
- Developed an EMCCD detector module using a 1kx1k, 8µm pixel EMCCD camera coupled to a CsI(Tl) scintillator via a fiber optic taper (FOT).
- Configured detector for variable effective pixel sizes (144µm, 96µm, 48µm) using FOT ratios and binning modes.
- Assessed detector performance including Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) using linear-systems analysis.
- Measured Instrumentation Noise Equivalent Exposure (INEE) at various pixel sizes and gain settings.
Main Results:
- Achieved high frame rates (>30fps) with variable EMCCD gain up to 2000x for enhanced sensitivity.
- Demonstrated quantum-noise-limited DQE down to ~0.1µR at 144µm effective pixel size with 30x gain.
- Reported zero-frequency DQE of 59% at 74 kVp.
- Achieved INEE <0.1µR for 48µm pixel size with 20x gain, indicating very low electronic noise.
Conclusions:
- The EMCCD-based x-ray detector offers significant improvements in resolution, sensitivity, and low-noise performance.
- This technology presents a viable alternative to current flat-panel detectors for applications like fluoroscopy and angiography.
- The detector's low lag and very low INEE further enhance its suitability for demanding real-time imaging procedures.
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