In this document, a proposed modular detector system, intended for used as part of an existing high energy computed tomography system is described. Each detector module would be comprised of a cadmium tungstate linear detector array (LDA) and a Varian PaxScan 1515DXT Digital Image Receptor. The proposed design would couple the bottom face of the LDA to the 1515DXT, which would allow the 1515DXT to be removed from the X-ray fan-beam. The detector components would be incorporated into an existing system that operates in a translate-rotate imaging modality, and the completed system would not necessitate significant reworking of the current image reconstruction algorithm. In this system, the achievable imaging resolution would be dictated by the pitch of the LDA, which in term would be limited by various forms of cross talk and the signal-to-noise ratio. As a baseline, the proposed solution should be able to offer an image resolution of approximately 1.0 mm. A comprehensive Geant4 Monte Carlo mode would be developed to simulate the relevant radiative and optical physics and to allow for efficient optimization of an LDA design capable of achieving sub-millimeter resolution.
Benefit: The anticipated benefit of this effort would be the development of a modularized, cost effective detector system for use in commercial high energy computed tomography (HECT) systems capable of providing sub-millimeter spatial resolution. The final system would be optimized to allow for enhanced signal-to-noise-ratio, excellent spatial resolution, and low cross talk. If successful, this modularized detector could offer immediate benefits to other HECT applications, both domestic and international.
Keywords: high flux, high flux, high energy, X-ray, computed tomography, detector
