Pressure-Controlled X-Ray Modulator for Spectral Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The issue in spectral CT imaging is the non-optimal spectral separation of photons due to the generation of a high proportion of low energy photons during high energy imaging, which reduces the spectral separation and impairs image quality.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray modulator with an enclosed chamber containing an absorption gas, such as xenon or iodine vapor, is used to absorb unwanted low-energy photons, utilizing a pressure modulation device to control the gas pressure within the chamber, ensuring optimal spectral separation by adjusting the optical attenuation based on the electrical tension of the X-ray tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high energy voltage is applied to the X-ray tube, then the energy level of X-ray imaging is improved, but the proportion of low energy photons increases which reduces spectral separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful low energy photons from the X-ray spectrum using an absorber material positioned in the path of the X-ray beam. This allows the high energy photons to pass through while blocking the low energy photons, thereby improving spectral separation without reducing the overall energy level of the imaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary absorber material between the X-ray tube and the subject that selectively interacts with different energy photons. This mediator absorbs low energy photons while allowing high energy photons to pass, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high energy imaging and achieving spectral separation
2Loss of information
If spectral imaging is performed with multiple energy levels, then quantitative image data is obtained, but the image quality is impaired by non-optimal spectral separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical kVp switching with a more effective approach using an absorber material that physically filters photons based on their energy. This substitution maintains the ability to obtain quantitative image data while significantly improving spectral separation and overall image quality through selective photon absorption
3Productivity
If fast kVp switching is used, then spectral imaging is accomplished efficiently, but the spectral separation remains non-optimal due to low energy photon generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of fast kVp switching (maintaining imaging efficiency) with the addition of an absorber material (improving spectral separation). The absorber works continuously across both low and high energy phases, complementing the kVp switching approach rather than replacing it, thereby achieving both efficiency and optimal spectral separation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The X-ray modulator effectively reduces the number of low-energy photons during high energy imaging, enhancing spectral separation and improving the image quality of spectral CT images without adversely affecting the image formation process.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption gas within the enclosed chamber for absorbing X-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
a pressure modulation device provided in the side portion of the enclosed chamber and adapted to modulate the pressure within the enclosed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an X-ray modulator, for use with an X-ray tube, comprising an enclosed chamber having a window portion and a side portion in gaseous communication with each other. The enclosed chamber comprises a chamber wall, wherein the chamber wall of the window portion is thinner than the chamber wall of the side portion. The X-ray modulator further comprises a pressure modulation device provided in the side portion of the enclosed chamber, which is adapted to modulate the pressure within the enclosed chamber, and an absorption gas within the enclosed chamber for absorbing X-ray radiation.