title: K-edge digital subtraction imaging based on a dichromatic and compact x-ray source.
abstract: This work proposes a compact dichromatic imaging system for the application of the K-edge digital subtraction technique based on a conventional x-ray tube and a monochromator system. A quasi-monochromatic x-ray beam at the energy of iodine K-edge is produced by Bragg diffraction on a mosaic crystal. Two thin adjacent beams with energies that bracket the K-edge discontinuity are obtained from the diffracted beam by means of a proper collimation system. They are then detected using an array of Si detectors. A home-made phantom is used to study the image quality as a function of iodine concentration. Signal and signal-to-noise ratio analysis has also been performed. The results are compared with theoretical expectations.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università di Ferrara and INFN Sezione di Ferrara, Via Paradiso 12, I-44100 Ferrara, Italy. sarnelli@fe.infn.it
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarnelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taibi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tuffanelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baldazzi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bollini
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Cabal Rodriguez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gombia
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Prino
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ramello
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomassi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gambaccini
mesh_terms: D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007455:Iodine / Q000494:pharmacology; D015233:Models, Statistical; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014867:Water; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014867:Water; D007455:Iodine; D012825:Silicon