Optimization of low-dose, low cost mobile 3D x-ray imaging

Student: Lauryn Eley
Supervisors: Carsten P Welsch (UoL), Steve Wells (Adaptix)
Institution: University of Liverpool

2D X-ray gives a fundamentally limited view of 3D bodies by superimposing layers. 3D imaging is available through CT scanners, but at higher cost and dose. Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) is an imaging technique that can give a stack of slices through the volume giving many of the 3D benefits of CT but at dramatically lower cost and dose.

Adaptix has developed an award-winning Flat Panel X-ray Source (FPS) that is low-cost and portable. The FPS ‘digitizes’ the source, and in conjunction with modern dynamic Flat Panel Detectors, low-cost computing and advanced algorithms, allows low-cost, low-dose, 3D imaging (‘Digital Tomosynthesis’ or ‘DT’) in a form factor that is truly portable.

In this project, the student will develop improvements in several key areas:

• Following training in simulation and optimization of FPS, using accurate Monte Carlo (MC) models, the student will carry out scans to identify optimum system parameters.
• They will conduct proof-of-principle experiments with different phantoms, studying image quality with 90 and 120 kV X-ray tubes and benchmark simulation results.
• They will take an important role in the construction of a high power system. This will give you an excellent basis for studies into advanced collimation options to reveal the best trade-off between X-ray field size, shape and amount of X-ray beam overlap will be done.

The student will be provided with comprehensive training in data science through LIV.INNO’s structured training program, as well as courses on accelerator and medical physics, electronics, CAD, and optics.