Megavoltage imaging has applications in nondestructive imaging for homeland security, radiotherapy, and industrial
manufacturing. Current commercial systems are limited by low image quality as measured by detective quantum
efficiency (DQE). These systems yield measured DQE=0.01-0.02, limiting efficacy for detection based on
automated signal processing. Past efforts to improve DQE have included novel scintillators and manufacturing of
large crystal structures. An alternative novel design for a 2D x-ray imager, based on a modification of existing
amorphous silicon (a:Si) or flat-panel imagers, is presented. The panel utilizes a fiber-optic scintillation glass array
(FOSGA) consisting of scintillation fibers bundled within a pixilated thick sintered tungsten housing. The tungsten
housing is constructed using a lithographic manufacturing technique for high fabrication accuracy. The Tb-doped
fibers emit light in the 555-565nm range (matched to the sensitive region of current a:Si photodiodes), with a decay
time of 2ms (100-to-40%). Monte Carlo simulations, linear cascaded systems analyses, and film studies have been
carried out to validate and optimize image quality for radiation beams in the 1-6MV range. An 8cmx8cm prototype
array was fabricated using Tb-doped fibers (9mm length, 0.9mm diameter) loaded into a tungsten matrix (1.1mm
pixel pitch, 0.1mm septa), yielding measured DQE=0.05 (vs theoretical DQE=0.07) for 6MV imaging , an order of
magnitude improvement in image quality over current commercial imagers. Design parameters of a large field-of-view
FOSGA imager for cargo container security imaging are presented: 5cm thick FOSGA array, 0.4-1mm pixel
pitch, 50-70% fill factor, DQE>0.2 for 1-6MV range.
In portal imaging, the role of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) to implement complex radiation therapy
protocols is crucial, and regular quality assurance (QA) of EPID image quality is necessary to ensure treatment efficacy.
The modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) are
universal metrics that can completely describe radiographic image quality. These metrics are independent of
measurement geometry and the user, and allow intra and inter detector performance evaluation. Though NPS and DQE
calculations are straightforward, conventional MTF measurements using slit/edge phantoms are difficult and time
consuming. Therefore, such measurements are not feasible within routine clinical QA. Currently, EPID performance is
monitored using image quality indices obtained from commercial QA phantoms. Such methods may be qualitative or
sensitive to imaging conditions, and hence not appropriate for rigorous QA. In this work, a simple and quick method for
EPID QA is presented based on a line-pair bar-pattern for fast MTF measurement, coupled with standard NPS and DQE
measurements, all of which can be carried out within two minutes. The method to determine MTF from line-pair
modulations was developed based on theoretical analyses and Monte Carlo simulations to identify accurate and reliable
measurement conditions. The bar-pattern based QA method was tested with two clinical EPIDs and found to be in
excellent agreement with slit/edge measurements. It was also implemented for weekly QA checks, and compared with
established commercial QA methods. This bar-pattern based QA was more sensitive to potential decrease of EPID image quality.
KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Monte Carlo methods, Lead, Spatial frequencies, Sensors, Modulation, Imaging systems, Prototyping, Data acquisition, X-rays
The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a fundamental measure of spatial resolution of an imaging system, and can be measured by imaging a slit, edge or a bar-pattern. In portal imaging, the MTF has been measured using the slit and edge techniques, requiring very thick collimation to minimize the effect of megavoltage scatter and laborious alignment procedures. A simpler and quicker method for measuring MTF is presented: the bar-pattern. This method has been successfully used in diagnostic imaging. In portal imaging, this method is sensitive to the measurement of MTF(0) due to lateral scattering of megavoltage x-rays. A lack of a precise measurement of MTF(0) can lead to an over-estimation of MTF. The slit and bar-pattern techniques were studied using Monte Carlo simulations on a kinestatic charge detector (KCD), which uses a slot photon beam and a scanning high-pressure gas multi-ion chamber. The experimental condition for measuring MTF(0) was determined. MTF measurements using the slit and bar techniques, as well as those from Monte Carlo simulations, were subsequently observed to be in good agreement (i.e. one standard deviation of measurement). The bar-pattern method, being easier and simpler than the slit or edge techniques, provides a fast MTF measurement.
KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Monte Carlo methods, Sensors, Imaging systems, Prototyping, Quantum efficiency, Spatial resolution, Xenon, Signal to noise ratio, Spatial frequencies
Megavoltage x-ray imaging suffers from relatively poor contrast and spatial resolution compared to diagnostic kilovoltage x-ray imaging due to the dominant Compton scattering in the former. Recently available amorphous silicon/selenium based flat-panel imagers overcome many of the limitations of poor contrast and spatial resolution that affect conventional video based electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). An alternative technology is presented here: kinestatic charge detection (KCD). The KCD uses a slot photon beam, high-pressure gas (xenon, 100 atm) and a multi-ion rectangular chamber in scanning mode. An electric field is used to regulate the cation drift velocity. By matching the scanning speed with that of the cation drift, the cations remain static in the object frame of reference, allowing temporal integration of the signal. KCD imaging is characterized by reduced scatter and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Measurements and Monte Carlo simulations of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a prototype small field of view KCD detector (384 channels, 0.5 mm spacing) were carried out. Measurements yield DQE[0]=0.19 and DQE[0.5cy/mm]=0.01. KCD imaging is compared to film and commercial EPID systems using phantoms, with the KCD requiring an extremely low dose (0.1 cGy) per image. A proposed cylindrical chamber design with a higher ion-collection depth is expected to further improve image quality (DQE[0]>0.25).
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