Abstract
We investigated the performance of an ultrafast-laser-based x-ray source as a possible replacement of a microfocal X-ray tube in a micro-CT system for small-animal imaging. Using a number of solid targets (Ge, Mo, Ag, Sn, BaF 2, La, and Nd) with matching filters, we optimized conditions for x-ray generation and measured x-ray spectra, conversion efficiency, x-ray fluence, and x-ray focal-spot size. We obtained images of small animals. X-ray spectra created by ultrafast laser are advantageous for micro-CT imaging because most of the emission is in narrow characteristic lines. The spectra could be rapidly changed and matched to the imaging task (e.g. animal thickness and density). This novel x-ray source can be also easily applied in dual-energy micro-CT for small-animal imaging with suitable contrast agent (e.g. I-, Ba-, or Gd-based) and matching targets and filters for low- and high-energy beams. We have established that the effective x-ray focal-spot size can be smaller than 5 μm and that the average power can surpass the power delivered by a microfocal x-ray tube with 5 fun focal-spot size.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | M4-4 |
Pages (from-to) | 1993-1996 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record |
Volume | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |
Event | 2003 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record - Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference - Portland, OR, United States Duration: Oct 19 2003 → Oct 25 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiation
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging