Monochromatic x-ray methods and apparatus

Abstract

According to some aspects, an x-ray apparatus for imaging and/or radiation therapy is provided, the x-ray apparatus comprises an electron source capable of generating electrons, at least one first target arranged to receive electrons from the electron source, the at least one first target comprising material that, in response to being irradiated by the electrons, emits broad spectrum x-ray radiation, at least one second target arranged to receive at least some of the broad spectrum x-ray radiation, the at least one second target comprising material that, in response to irradiation by broad spectrum x-ray radiation from the first target, emits monochromatic x-ray radiation, and at least one detector positioned to detect at least some of the monochromatic x-ray radiation emitted from the at least one second target. According to some aspects, a relatively low cost, relatively small footprint x-ray apparatus for generating monochromatic x-ray radiation suitable for medical/clinical purposes and appropriate for use in existing medical facilities such as hospitals and/or small clinical settings is provided.

Description

Background technique [0001] Traditional diagnostic radiography and cancer treatment use X-ray generators that emit X-rays in a broad energy band that unnecessarily exposes normal tissue during diagnosis and treatment. Monochromatic radiation has been used in specialized applications in an attempt to reduce dose and improve image contrast. However, conventional systems for generating monochromatic radiation may not be suitable for clinical or commercial applications due to prohibitive size, cost, and / or complexity. For example, the use of ineffective Bragg crystals as filters or the use of solid target x-ray fluorescers to generate monochromatic radiation requires very large, expensive and powerful broadband synchrotron sources that have not yet been proven for clinical use . [0002] Other conventional techniques include using polycapillary optics to increase the throughput of conventional laboratory X-ray generators, but still using Bragg crystals for monochromation. In so...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the control of energy specificity is indirect and subtle

Typically, targeting specific types or depths of tissue is not possible with a single beam of radiation, and radiation does not differentiate tissue types, whether malignant or benign

In addition, the cost, infrastructure and staffing requirements of current treatment facilities are high and it is impossible to meet even a part of social care needs

Brachytherapy using a monochromatic gamma-ray source may also provide therapeutic benefit, however, because gamma-ray energy and half-life are constrained by natural laws of physics, the appropriate choice of radionuclide is limited

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