MCNP-FBSM: Development of MCNP/MCNPX Source Model for Simulation of Multi-Slice Fan-Beam X-Ray CT Scanners

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most valuable diagnostic imaging tools in the clinic and is widely used worldwide. One of the main motivations driving research and development in CT is to achieve better image quality while keeping the radiation dose to the patient as low as possible. In this regard, computer simulations play a key role in the optimization of CT design. In this work, a fan-beam source model (FBSM) for the simulation of multi-slice fan-beam CT scanners using the MCNP Monte Carlo code, has been developed and implemented. The use of this model removes the need for using the collimator in the system configuration and thus to overcome the perennial problem of particle starvation imposed by the collimator. The accuracy of our developed MCNP-FBSM model was evaluated through comparison with previously published experimental results demonstrating good agreement. Therefore, the MCNP-FBSM based CT simulator is a powerful tool for protocol design, optimization of geometrical design parameters, assessment of image reconstruction algorithms and evaluating future innovations to improve the performance of CT scanners.