Falko Busse

Dynamic X-ray imaging system based on an amorphous silicon thin-film array

In this paper we address design concepts and performance characterization with our laboratory x-ray detector system. Key component is a 1k2 pixel TFT switched photodiode array with a pixel pitch of 200 micrometer. It is built of a-Si:H with a CsI:Tl scintillator layer. The detector system can be used for radiography and fluoroscopy applications with up to 30 images/s. It shows a S/N-ratio better than 23dB at a dose of 10nGy/frame and reaches a value for DQE of more than 60% at low spatial frequencies. We have developed a new evaporation process for CsI:Tl deposition directly on the array. It yields an x-ray sensitivity close to the theoretical limit and a spatial resolution on a sufficiently high level. An optimized plate design in combination with a dedicated charge sensitive readout amplifier chip lead to a very low level of electronic noise. In particular sources and properties of electronic noise and signal crosstalk have shown to be crucial for the clinical use of the new technology. The visual impression of the remaining noise in the images from our system is isotropic. This means especially that synchronous noise has been reduced to the edge of visibility.

Image quality of a large-area dynamic flat detector: comparison with a state-of-the-art II/TV system

The purpose of this research is to establish the technical and clinical image quality of a 30 X 40 cm2 dynamic flat detector (FD) compared to state-of-the-art IITV technology. A Trixell detector for vascular and RF applications is designed for a mixed use of fluoroscopy as well as exposure series and a range of radiographic applications. An RF system has been built which comprises both the FD as well as an IITV detector. This system enables a direct comparison of technical image quality measurements and patient images under exactly the same X-ray conditions. Image quality measurements comprise Detective Quantum Efficiency including transfer characteristics, Modulation Transfer Function, Noise Power Spectrum, lag, Low Frequency Drop and residual signals. Observation tests, using Threshold Contrast Detail Detectability (TCDD) techniques, are performed in order to confirm the results of the technical measurements. Results show a DQE (f) of the flat detector that is higher compared to IITV and above all constant over a wide dose range, the IITV DQE (f) drops at higher dose range due to fixed structure. Furthermore the Low Frequency Drop is substantially smaller in the FD-based system. The TCDD subjective tests show improved system performance in favor of the FD system.

Technical and clinical assessments of an experimental flat dynamic x-ray image detector system

Advanced technical investigations, including DQE measurements and threshold contrast detail-detectability experiments, have been performed in order to demonstrate the superior image quality of an experimental flat dynamic X-ray image detector (FDXD) system. The dose efficiencies throughout a range of dose levels used in fluoroscopic and radiographic applications have been measured and are presented. Together with the results of a range of clinical patient examinations, the results of the technical investigations fully confirm earlier expectations in terms of increased image quality and improved dose efficiency with respect to current imaging modalities. Several mixed applications performed with the FDXD system are presented including those where subtraction techniques were used. The dynamic aspects of the FDXD system are discussed in detail. In the fluoroscopic mode, images have been acquired with a dose-rate as low as 5 nGy per image using a frame rate of approx. 25 fps. Low dose fluoroscopic images will be presented and it will be confirmed that low readout noise of the detection system facilitates the clinical acceptability of the images, even without applying any noise reduction algorithms. Post-processing algorithms for exposures will also be discussed. It can be concluded that the results of the technical measurements, together with the clinical examinations, prove that in areas regarding dose efficiency and image quality, this new detector technology is superior to the current X-ray modalities in many aspects.

Methodology to measure fundamental performance parameters of x-ray detectors

To judge the potential benefit of a new x-ray detector technology and to be able to compare different technologies, some standard performance measurements must be defined. In addition to technology-related parameters which may influence weight, shape, image distortions and readout speed, there are fundamental performance parameters which directly influence the achievable image quality and dose efficiency of x-ray detectors. A standardization activity for detective quantum efficiency (DQE) for static detectors is already in progress. In this paper we present a methodology for noise power spectrum (NPS), low frequency drop (LFD) and signal to electronic noise ratio (SENR), and the influence of these parameters on DQE. The individual measurement methods are described in detail with their theoretical background and experimental procedure. Corresponding technical phantoms have been developed. The design of the measurement methods and technical phantoms is tuned so that only minimum requirements are placed on the detector properties. The measurement methods can therefore be applied to both static and dynamic x-ray systems. Measurement results from flat panel imagers and II/TV systems are presented.

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.

Dynamic X-Ray Imaging System based on an all-solid-state Detector

New digital detector systems based on all-solid-state large area elec-tronics offer a number of advantages for the user, like no image distortions, flat and light weight housing, no veiling glare, and large dynamic range. On the other hand, they require a dedicated image preprocessing to exploit their full image quality. In this paper we address design concepts, performance charac-terization and resulting image preprocessing aspects of our experimental de-tector system. The system comprises the detector frontend and a realtime image preprocessing unit with an interface to a commercial digital video system. It is intended for clinical evaluation of this new technology.