title: Empirical and theoretical investigation of the noise performance of indirect detection, active matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) for diagnostic radiology.
abstract: Noise properties of active matrix, flat-panel imagers under conditions relevant to diagnostic radiology are investigated. These studies focus on imagers based upon arrays with pixels incorporating a discrete photodiode coupled to a thin-film transistor, both fabricated from hydrogenated amorphous silicon. These optically sensitive arrays are operated with an overlying x-ray converter to allow indirect detection of incident x rays. External electronics, including gate driver circuits and preamplification circuits, are also required to operate the arrays. A theoretical model describing the signal and noise transfer properties of the imagers under conditions relevant to diagnostic radiography, fluoroscopy, and mammography is developed. This frequency-dependent model is based upon a cascaded systems analysis wherein the imager is conceptually divided into a series of stages having intrinsic gain and spreading properties. Predictions from the model are compared with x-ray sensitivity and noise measurements obtained from individual pixels from an imager with a pixel format of 1536 x 1920 pixels at a pixel pitch of 127 microns. The model is shown to be in excellent agreement with measurements obtained with diagnostic x rays using various phosphor screens. The model is used to explore the potential performance of existing and hypothetical imagers for application in radiography, fluoroscopy, and mammography as a function of exposure, additive noise, and fill factor. These theoretical predictions suggest that imagers of this general design incorporating a CsI: Tl intensifying screen can be optimized to provide detective quantum efficiency (DQE) superior to existing screen-film and storage phosphor systems for general radiography and mammography. For fluoroscopy, the model predicts that with further optimization of a-Si:H imagers, DQE performance approaching that of the best x-ray image intensifier systems may be possible. The results of this analysis suggest strategies for future improvements of this imaging technology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Siewerdsen
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Antonuk
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: el-Mohri
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yorkston
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Boudry
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Cunningham
mesh_terms: D004581:Electronics; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011789:Quantum Theory; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results