Detectors for the future of X-ray imaging.
In recent decades, developments in detectors for X-ray imaging have improved dose efficiency. This has been accomplished with for example, structured scintillators such as columnar CsI, or with direct detectors where the X rays are converted to electric charge carriers in a semiconductor. Scattered radiation remains a major noise source, and fairly inefficient anti-scatter grids are still a gold standard. Hence, any future development should include improved scatter rejection. In recent years, photon-counting detectors have generated significant interest by several companies as well as academic research groups. This method eliminates electronic noise, which is an advantage in low-dose applications. Moreover, energy-sensitive photon-counting detectors allow for further improvements by optimising the signal-to-quantum-noise ratio, anatomical background subtraction or quantitative analysis of object constituents. This paper reviews state-of-the-art photon-counting detectors, scatter control and their application in diagnostic X-ray medical imaging. In particular, spectral imaging with photon-counting detectors, pitfalls such as charge sharing and high rates and various proposals for mitigation are discussed.
Aslund
M
M
Sectra Mamea AB, Smidesvägen 2, 171 41 Solna, Sweden. magnus.aslund@sectra.se
Fredenberg
E
E
Telman
M
M
Danielsson
M
M
D005544:Forecasting; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011859:Radiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000639:trends*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014159:Transducers