title: Stationary digital breast tomosynthesis with distributed field emission X-ray tube.
abstract: Tomosynthesis requires projection images from different viewing angles. Using a distributed x-ray source this can be achieved without mechanical motion of the source with the potential for faster image acquisition speed. A distributed x-ray tube has been designed and manufactured specifically for breast tomosynthesis. The x-ray tube consists of 31 field emission x-ray sources with an angular range of 30°. The total dose is up to 100mAs with an energy range between 27 and 45 kVp. We discuss the source geometry and results from the characterization of the first prototype. The x-ray tube uses field emission cathodes based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) as electron source. Prior to the manufacturing of the sealed x-ray tube extensive testing on the field emission cathodes has been performed to verify the requirements for commercial tomosynthesis systems in terms of emission current, focal spot size and tube lifetime.
authors: XinRay Systems LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Sprenger
authors: X
authors: X
authors: Calderon
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Gidcumb
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Lu
authors: X
authors: X
authors: Qian
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Spronk
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Tucker
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Yang
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Zhou
references: Med Phys. 2003 Mar;30(3):365-80
references: 12674237
references: Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng. 2010 Jan 1;7622:76225M
references: 21785671