Studies of a prototype linear stationary x-ray source for tomosynthesis imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• X-ray Technology
• Tomosynthesis

Background:

• Tomosynthesis (TS) imaging requires advanced X-ray sources for high-resolution reconstructions.
• Existing systems face limitations in source stability and imaging performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a prototype linear X-ray source for stationary source-stationary detector tomosynthesis.
• To assess the source's performance for potential applications in human breast and small animal imaging.

Main Methods:

• A multi-element linear X-ray source with field emission cathodes, electrostatic lenses, and common targets was designed.
• X-ray flux, spectra, and half-value layer were quantified for various beam energies and potentials.
• A modified cold-cathode geometry was employed to enhance reliability and suppress voltage breakdowns.
• The prototype source was used to acquire tomographic data sets of a mouse phantom.

Main Results:

• The source produced focal spots with 0.3-0.4 mm diameters at 40 mA and 40 kV.
• Tungsten targets generated bremsstrahlung spectra with measured half-value layers of 0.8-1.0 mm.
• Enhanced reliability was achieved through voltage breakdown suppression and modified cathode geometry.
• Digital TS reconstruction yielded a slice-sensitivity profile with a 1.3 mm full-width-half-maximum.

Conclusions:

• The prototype linear X-ray source is suitable for stationary source-stationary detector tomosynthesis.
• The demonstrated performance indicates potential for improved breast and small animal imaging.
• Further studies on tomographic imaging of flow through phantoms were initiated.