Stationary Computed Tomography for Space and other Resource-constrained Environments.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• X-ray Physics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing emergent conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injuries.
• Current CT systems are large, heavy, and expensive, limiting accessibility outside major hospitals.
• There is a need for more portable and cost-effective CT imaging solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel miniature X-ray source module for CT imaging.
• To enable the creation of smaller, lighter, and cheaper CT systems.
• To demonstrate a novel approach to CT imaging without moving parts.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel photocathode-based X-ray source using magnesium on an electron multiplier, activated by UV LEDs.
• Integrated seven individually addressable and rapidly-pulsable miniature X-ray sources into a 17.5-degree arc module.
• Utilized electronic control of LEDs to pulse sources in series for X-ray tomosynthesis.
• Performed 3D acquisition and reconstruction using a clinical flat-panel detector and a cadaver swine lung.

Main Results:

• Successfully created individually addressable miniature X-ray sources with beam currents up to 1 mA.
• Demonstrated X-ray tomosynthesis without mechanical components by pulsing sources in series.
• Achieved 3D imaging and reconstruction of a cadaver swine lung.

Conclusions:

• The developed miniature X-ray source module offers a pathway to significantly reduce the size, weight, and cost of CT systems.
• This technology has the potential to make advanced CT imaging more accessible in diverse clinical settings.
• The demonstrated tomosynthesis capability without moving parts represents a significant advancement in CT technology.