Bernhard Dr. Sandkamp

Image quality of digital radiography using flat detector technology

One of the most demanding applications in dynamic X-Ray imaging is Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). As opposed to other applications such as Radiography or Fluoroscopy, there has been so far limited attempts to introduce DSA with flat detector (FD) technology: Up to now, only part of the very demanding requirements could be taken into account. In order to enable an introduction of FD technology also in this area, a complete understanding of all physical phenomena related to the use of this technology in DSA is necessary. This knowledge can be used for detector design and performance optimization. Areas of research include fast switching between several detector operating modes (e.g. switching between fluoroscopy and high dose exposure modes and vice versa) and non stability during the DSA run e.g. due to differences in gain between subsequent images. Furthermore, effects of local and global X-Ray overexposure (due to direct radiation), which can cause temporal artifacts such as ghosting, may have a negative impact on the image quality. Pixel shift operations and image subtraction enhance the visibility of any artifact. The use of a refresh light plays an important role in the optimization process. Both an 18x18 cm2 as well as a large area 30x40 cm2 flat panel detector are used for studying the various phenomena. Technical measurements were obtained using complex imaging sequences representing the most demanding application conditions. Studies on subtraction test objects were performed and vascular applications have been carried out in order to confirm earlier findings. The basis for comparison of DSA is, still, the existing and mature IITV technology. The results of this investigation show that the latest generation of dynamic flat detectors is capable of handling this kind of demanding application. Not only the risk areas and their solutions and points of attention will be addressed, but also the benefits of present FD technology with respect to state-of-the-art IITV technology regarding DSA will be discussed.

Photodiode gain calibration of flat dynamic x-ray detectors using reset light

Due to spatial gain differences of the photo diodes and inhomogeneities in the converter (CsI) a gain calibration is usually applied for flat dynamic X-ray detectors. This calibration is calculated from X-ray images. Using the reset light, integrated in the detector, a calibration of the photo diode gain is possible. Since neither the reset light intensity nor the X-ray field distribution in combination with the converter efficiency are spatially homogeneous the ratio of these two effects has to be measured and stored once in an X-ray reset-light map. In a reset light calibration the photo diode gain will be estimated and the final calibration is then calculated from this gain image and the stored X-ray reset-light map. The reset light gain image contains the same information as the X-ray image except the influence of the scintillator which should be very stable over time. Changes in the photo diode gain can easily and automatically be corrected using the reset light calibration. Defect pixels can be determined from the reset light gain images. This method would allow a continuous calibration during the lifetime of the detector without the need for any user interaction.