Fenglin Liu

X-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT)

Imaging depth of optical microscopy has been fundamentally limited to millimeter or sub-millimeter due to strong scattering of light in a biological sample. X-ray microscopy can resolve spatial details of few microns deep inside a sample but contrast resolution is inadequate to depict heterogeneous features at cellular or sub-cellular levels. To enhance and enrich biological contrast at large imaging depth, various nanoparticles are introduced and become essential to basic research and molecular medicine. Nanoparticles can be functionalized as imaging probes, similar to fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins. LiGa(5)O(8):Cr(3+) nanoparticles were recently synthesized to facilitate luminescence energy storage with x-ray pre-excitation and subsequently stimulated luminescence emission by visible/near-infrared (NIR) light. In this paper, we propose an x-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT, or MLT to be more general) approach to quantify a nanophosphor distribution in a thick biological sample with high resolution. Our numerical simulation studies demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Dynamic bowtie for fan-beam CT

A bowtie is a filter used to shape an x-ray beam and equalize its flux reaching different detector channels. For development of spectral CT with energy discriminating photon-counting (EDPC) detectors, here we propose and evaluate a dynamic bowtie for performance optimization based on a patient model or a scout scan. With a mechanical rotation of a dynamic bowtie and an adaptive adjustment of an x-ray source flux, an x-ray beam intensity profile can be modulated. First, a mathematical model for dynamic bowtie filtering is established for an elliptical section in fan-beam geometry, and the contour of the optimal bowtie is derived. Then, numerical simulation is performed to compare the performance of the dynamic bowtie in the cases of an ideal phantom and a realistic cross-section relative to the counterparts without any bowtie and with a fixed bowtie respectively. Our dynamic bowtie can equalize the expected numbers of photons in the case of an ideal phantom. In practical cases, our dynamic bowtie can effectively reduce the dynamic range of detected signals inside the field of view. Although our design is optimized for an elliptical phantom, the resultant dynamic bowtie can be applied to a real fan-beam scan if the underlying cross-section can be approximated as an ellipse. Furthermore, our design methodology can be applied to specify an optimized dynamic bowtie for any cross-section of a patient, preferably using rapid prototyping technology.

Dynamic Bowtie Filter for Cone-Beam/Multi-Slice CT

A pre-patient attenuator (“bowtie filter” or “bowtie”) is used to modulate an incoming x-ray beam as a function of the angle of the x-ray with respect to a patient to balance the photon flux on a detector array. While the current dynamic bowtie design is focused on fan-beam geometry, in this study we propose a methodology for dynamic bowtie design in multi-slice/cone-beam geometry. The proposed 3D dynamic bowtie is an extension of the 2D prior art. The 3D bowtie consists of a highly attenuating bowtie (HB) filled in with heavy liquid and a weakly attenuating bowtie (WB) immersed in the liquid of the HB. The HB targets a balanced flux distribution on a detector array when no object is in the field of view (FOV). The WB compensates for an object in the FOV, and hence is a scaled-down version of the object. The WB is rotated and translated in synchrony with the source rotation and patient translation so that the overall flux balance is maintained on the detector array. First, the mathematical models of different scanning modes are established for an elliptical water phantom. Then, a numerical simulation study is performed to compare the performance of the scanning modes in the cases of the water phantom and a patient cross-section without any bowtie and with a dynamic bowtie. The dynamic bowtie can equalize the numbers of detected photons in the case of the water phantom. In practical cases, the dynamic bowtie can effectively reduce the dynamic range of detected signals inside the FOV. Furthermore, the WB can be individualized using a 3D printing technique as the gold standard. We have extended the dynamic bowtie concept from 2D to 3D by using highly attenuating liquid and moving a scale-reduced negative copy of an object being scanned. Our methodology can be applied to reduce radiation dose and facilitate photon-counting detection.

Top-level design and pilot analysis of low-end CT scanners based on linear scanning for developing countries

The goal is to develop new architectures for computed tomography (CT) which are at an ultra-low-cost for developing countries, especially in rural areas. The proposed general scheme is inspired by the recently developed compressive sensing and interior tomography techniques, where the data acquisition system targets a region of interest (ROI) to acquire limited and truncated data. Similar to linear tomosynthesis, the source and detector are translated in opposite directions but in contrast to conventional tomosynthesis, our proposal is for either ROI reconstruction with one or more localized linear scans or global reconstruction by combining multiple ROI reconstructions. In other words, the popular slip ring is replaced by a translation based setup, and the instrumentation cost is reduced by a relaxation of the imaging speed requirement. The various translational scanning modes are theoretically analyzed, and the scanning parameters are optimized. The numerical simulation results from different numbers of linear scans confirm the feasibility of the proposed scheme, and suggest two preferred low-end systems for horizontal and vertical patient positions respectively. Ultra-low-cost x-ray CT is feasible with our proposed combination of linear scanning, compressive sensing, and interior tomography. The proposed architecture can be tailored into permanent, movable, or reconfigurable systems as desirable. Advanced image registration and spectral imaging features can be included as well.

Design proposed for a combined MRI/computed-tomography scanner

Computed tomography (CT) and MRI are arguably the two most important imaging approaches in modern hospitals and clinics. CT offers fast scanning speed and high spatial resolution, but suffers from poor soft-tissue contrast and a substantial radiation dose. MRI, on the other hand, provides superior soft-tissue contrast, and functional and molecular imaging capabilities, but often suffers from long scan time and sub-optimal geometrical accuracy. MRI is also difficult to quantify in any absolute units, and has much greater sensitivity than specificity. In some clinical scenarios—such as guiding radiation therapy, analyzing atherosclerotic plaques, and assessing acute strokes and brain injuries—CT and magnetic resonance (MR) images can be synergistic when captured simultaneously. However, because clinicians typically collect CT and MR images independently at different times and retrospectively register them based on a number of approximated assumptions, residual errors can be introduced. These errors can originate from non-repeatable contrast dynamics, organ motion, patient posture, signal nonlinearity, and inconsistent contrast mechanisms between CT and MRI. A combined CT-MRI scanner would reduce residual errors, enable simultaneous anatomical and functional imaging, and minimize exposure to ionizing radiation. Although multimodal imaging systems have become increasingly popular, a combined CT-MRI system has not yet been attempted. Two major obstacles in designing such a system are the bulkiness of the imaging scanners and the conflict in imaging physics, namely CT’s rotating metallic parts and MRI’s magnetic fields. Overcoming these challenges, we recently created a design for a combined CT-MRI Figure 1. Rendering of the proposed design for a synchronized computed tomography (CT) and MRI scanner to guide radiation therapy in real-time. Shown are the coil blocks of the superconducting MRI magnet’s primary layer (purple) and shielding layer (blue), a cryostat of the superconducting MRI magnet (aqua), longitudinal (green) and transverse (yellow) gradient coils, x-ray sources (red), and x-ray detectors (orange). The coil blocks of the superconducting magnet provide a uniform static magnetic field over a small region of interest, while the gradient coils enable MRI spatial encoding. A multi-source interior tomography scheme is used for CT image reconstruction.

Swinging multi-source industrial CT systems for aperiodic dynamic imaging

The goal of this paper is to develop a new architecture for industrial computed tomography (ICT) aiming at dynamically imaging an aperiodic changing object. We propose a data acquisition approach with multiple x-ray source/detector pairs targeting a continuously changeable object with corresponding timeframes. In this named swinging multi-source CT (SMCT) structure, each source and its associated detector swing forth and back within a certain angle for CT scanning. In the SMCT system design, we utilize a circular journal bearing based setup to replace the normal CT slip ring by weakening the scanning speed requirement. Inspired by the prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) algorithm, we apply a modified PICCS algorithm for the SMCT (SM-PICCS). Our numerical simulation and realistic specimen experiment studies demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

BPF-type region-of-interest reconstruction for parallel translational computed tomography

The objective of this study is to present and test a new ultra-low-cost linear scan based tomography architecture. Similar to linear tomosynthesis, the source and detector are translated in opposite directions and the data acquisition system targets on a region-of-interest (ROI) to acquire data for image reconstruction. This kind of tomographic architecture was named parallel translational computed tomography (PTCT). In previous studies, filtered backprojection (FBP)-type algorithms were developed to reconstruct images from PTCT. However, the reconstructed ROI images from truncated projections have severe truncation artefact. In order to overcome this limitation, we in this study proposed two backprojection filtering (BPF)-type algorithms named MP-BPF and MZ-BPF to reconstruct ROI images from truncated PTCT data. A weight function is constructed to deal with data redundancy for multi-linear translations modes. Extensive numerical simulations are performed to evaluate the proposed MP-BPF and MZ-BPF algorithms for PTCT in fan-beam geometry. Qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed BPF-type algorithms cannot only more accurately reconstruct ROI images from truncated projections but also generate high-quality images for the entire image support in some circumstances.

TOP-level designs of a hybrid low field MRI-CT system for pulmonary imaging

We previously discussed “omni-tomography”, but intrinsic conflicts between the magnetic fields of the MRI and the x-ray tube within the CT are inherent. We propose that by using low-field MRI with a negligible fringe field at the site of the CT source, it is possible to create a CT-MRI system with minimal interference. Low field MRI is particularly useful for lung imaging, where hyperpolarized gas can enhance the signal. Three major designs were considered and simulated, with modifications in coil design and axis allowing for further variation. The first uses Halbach arrays to minimize magnetic fields outside, the second uses solenoids pairs with active shielding, and the third uses a rotating compact MRI-CT. Each system is low field, which may allow the implementation of a standard rotating CT. Both structural and functional information can be acquired simultaneously for a true hybrid image with matching temporal and spatial image acquisition.