Reduction of scatter in diagnostic radiology by means of a scanning multiple slit assembly

Evidence is presented that an array of long, narrow beam-defining slits scanning a patient coupled with scatter-eliminating slots beneath the patient will substantially reduce scatter in diagnostic radiology. Scatter/primary ratios and the distribution of scatter in the plane of the image detector have been measured as a function of slit width and slot depth for a long, narrow beam-defining geometry. Using these data, calculations for the scatter/primary ratio incident on the image detector are made for a multiple slit assembly and compared with conventional grids. An improvement in contrast is obtained with little or no increase in patient exposure. Design considerations for the construction of such an array and data trends are discussed.