GPU-accelerated 3D volumetric X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Medical Physics
• Acoustic Imaging

Background:

• X-ray acoustic imaging is a hybrid technique monitoring X-ray absorption in tissues via the X-ray induced acoustic effect.
• Accurate monitoring of X-ray absorption distribution is crucial for various biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 3D volumetric X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) system.
• To assess the system's capability for high-resolution X-ray dose distribution monitoring and imaging of X-ray absorbing structures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D volumetric XACT system incorporating a portable pulsed X-ray source and an arc-shaped ultrasound array transducer.
• Image reconstruction using a back-projection algorithm accelerated by custom-developed graphics processing unit (GPU) software.
• Validation using various lead targets to acquire 3D volumetric XACT images.

Main Results:

• Successful acquisition of 3D volumetric XACT images of lead targets.
• Demonstration of GPU software achieving over 40 times faster image reconstruction compared to CPU-based software.
• The system effectively monitors high-resolution X-ray dose distribution.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D volumetric XACT system provides a rapid and effective method for imaging X-ray absorption in biological tissues.
• This technology holds potential for precise monitoring of X-ray dose distribution and imaging of internal structures.
• The GPU acceleration significantly enhances the practicality and efficiency of the XACT system.